Parakeet eye illness

Question
Hi,
I recently bought a parakeet and about 2 weeks after I bought another one and put them together in the same cage. The first one is very friendly but the second one seems more aggressive and I believe he attack the first one, since then both his eyes are close and have some kind of discharge on both of them, he is able to open one eye but not the other. what do you think it is? and what should I do?

Brenda

Answer
The first step to take is separate them. You should always introduce birds slowly, in their own cages, next to each other. Then try letting them share a cage for a brief time, returning them to their own cage afterwards. Increasing the time as days or weeks go by until you're sure they'll be fine together.

We keep our birds separately no matter what because it helps keep them bonded more with us than each other.

It also prevents accidental or purposeful injuries.

The discharge is an entirely different matter and should be seen by a vet experienced with avians right away. Do not attempt home treatments and do not listen to pet store clerks who try to convince you they carry a 'cure' you can buy.  
 Birds can get pretty complicated health problems that worsen quickly. When this happens it's expensive too, so having it evaluated correctly and treated promptly will not only save them, but you too!

 See how we house our macaws  www.4AnimalCare.org (click on 'birds')