should blind cockatiel be put to sleep

[yellowgold1]

hello,i will try to keep this short.

a family member has rescued another cockatiel.
the day after getting him the bird was taken to the vet who said that bird is blind because someone has kept him in a filthy cage.
his sight is gone for good and at the moment he is in discomfort.
(VET GAVE HER SOME EYE DROPS FOR THE BIRD)

i told family member that i think it may be best to have bird put to sleep but family member was hoping to save bird.
the vet said that the birds eyes can be removed but he said bird may live a boring life as they like to forage when they are awake.

can anyone advise on what to do please.
family member lives in a small flat with 3 other normal cockatiels.
will a blind cockatiel be a unhappy bird?
will a blind bird be frightened of the other cockatiels?
will blind bird live a boring ,depressing life?..thank you

 

[Scott]

I don't have an answer based on experience, but birds are highly adaptable following leg and wing amputations.

Please don't make a quick decision absent plenty of discussion and input!

 

[aether-drifter]

How sad. I wouldn't say the bird should be put to sleep...he can still enjoy life. I've never had a blind bird, but from what I've read (from others who have them) is that it's very important to NOT change the cage around once they're used to the location of everything.

 

[Flboy]

Three, 'give the bird a chance' so far!

 

[Terry57]

I met a woman last weekend at the bird show who has a blind Quaker. He is a happy little guy, and still manages to forage and play with his toys. I would suggest that your family member do lots of research on how to make the cage easy for him to navigate. He also will need his own cage, since the other cockatiels are strangers to him. He may make friends with one or all of the others, but this would have to be done under strict supervision. Please remember to make sure they quarantine him as well in the beginning.

 

[gracebowen]

Please don't put it to sleep. With proper care he can be happy. I second to research hot to make cage more accessible and be very careful not to move anything. Not even a little bit except toys.

 

[Dinosrawr]

My boyfriend had a coworker who rescued a blind cockatiel. He's still alive today at the age of 21. Please don't put him down - animals are incredible creatures who learn how to adapt and use their other senses to compensate for the loss of sight.

To put it in perspective, blind people don't lead miserable lives, instead they're taught how to adapt and learn how to get the most out of life in a way that suits them. The same can be done for any other animal with patience, understanding, and time.

 

[RavensGryf]

The breeder who raised Griffin my Ruppell's parrot said she has one who has NO EYES. Born that way without any eyes developed in the head. She said his name is Stevie (Stevie Wonder) since he's blind. I'm not sure how she had to accommodate his set up, but she said he manages and he's just fine like any of her other birds.

 

[Bandespresso]

With a little love and a lot of attention, blind birdies can absolutely thrive! I worked with a blind Blue and Gold Macaw who was the sweetest thing in the world. Please don't put him down unless he is in terrible pain!

 

[thekarens]

I don't know, this seems like an obvious answer question. Would you "put down" a human because they are blind? They can still live a fulfilled life. Sight isn't the end all, be all.

 

[Flboy]

Sorry to say, me thinks this is another hit and run poster! HARP

 

[SilverLining]

Even if it is a HARP...

Anyone reading this contemplating putting down a bird...I think every one deserves a chance a life no matter what obstacle is in the way.