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Parrot Cloudy Eyes and Shaking: Causes & Avian Vet Care

PawAI Lab
6 min read

Learn about cloudy eyes and shaking in parrots, possible causes, and when to contact an avian veterinarian.

Quick Answer

Cloudy Eyes accompanied by shaking or tremors in a parrot may indicate a neurological or systemic issue that needs evaluation. Cloudy Eyes in a parrot can be associated with several possible causes, including infection, environmental factors, injury, or underlying disease. Because parrots are prey species that hide illness, any visible sign may indicate that a problem has been developing. An avian veterinarian can assess the bird and determine whether the sign is urgent.

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This tool provides general information and does not replace a veterinarian's diagnosis.

What Cloudy Eyes and Shaking Looks Like

Cloudy eyes in a parrot appear as a loss of transparency in the eye, giving the surface or the lens a milky, blue-gray, or white appearance.

Shaking or tremors in a parrot can result from neurological disease, toxin exposure, nutritional deficiency, or systemic illness. When combined with cloudy eyes, the combination may point to a serious underlying cause.

Observable signs may include:

  • A white, gray, or blue haze over the eye surface or within the eye
  • Reduced transparency compared to the other eye
  • Bumping into objects or reluctance to move (vision changes)
  • Squinting, rubbing, or discharge accompanying the cloudiness
  • Shaking or tremors: involuntary trembling of the body, head, wings, or legs

What May Be Associated with Cloudy Eyes and Shaking

Several categories of possible causes may be associated with cloudy eyes in parrots. Similar signs can have different underlying causes, and a veterinarian is needed to identify which applies.

Cataracts

Cataracts cause the lens inside the eye to become opaque and are often age-related in older parrots.

  • Age-related cataracts in senior parrots
  • Congenital cataracts in some young birds
  • Cataracts secondary to trauma or inflammation

Infection or Inflammation

Infections can cloud the surface of the eye or the tissues inside it.

  • Corneal infection causing surface cloudiness
  • Uveitis or internal eye inflammation
  • Respiratory infection spreading to the eye

Nutritional and Other Causes

Deficiencies and other factors can contribute to eye cloudiness.

  • Vitamin A deficiency affecting eye tissue
  • Corneal ulcer or scar from injury
  • Exposure to irritants or toxins

Neurological and Toxic Causes

The combination of cloudy eyes and shaking may involve the nervous system.

  • Heavy metal poisoning (zinc or lead)
  • Neurological disease
  • Nutritional deficiency (calcium, vitamin E)
  • Toxin exposure
  • Metabolic disorder such as low blood sugar

What to Monitor

When monitoring a parrot showing this sign, keep track of the following:

  • Whether one or both eyes are cloudy
  • How quickly the cloudiness developed
  • Whether the parrot is eating and drinking normally
  • Vision changes such as bumping into objects or hesitation
  • Energy level and feather condition
  • Any discharge, swelling, or redness
  • Which body parts are shaking and how often
  • Whether the shaking is continuous or episodic
  • Any potential exposure to toxins, heavy metals, or new items
  • Whether the bird is an egg-laying female (calcium deficiency risk)

If any sign worsens or new signs appear, contact an avian veterinarian promptly.

What You Can Safely Do Next

The following low-risk steps may help while you arrange veterinary care:

  • Keep the parrot in a familiar, safe environment to prevent injury from reduced vision
  • Ensure food and water are easy to find
  • Remove obstacles or hazards in the cage
  • Note when the cloudiness was first noticed and whether it is changing

Do not give any medication, supplement, or home remedy without guidance from an avian veterinarian. Avoid using aerosols, scented products, or non-stick cookware near the bird, as these can harm parrots.

When to Contact an Avian Veterinarian

Parrots hide illness as a survival instinct, so visible signs may indicate a problem that has been developing. Seeking care from a veterinarian who specializes in birds (an avian veterinarian) is important, as parrots have unique anatomy and medical needs that differ from dogs and cats.

Seek emergency care if the parrot:

  • Sudden cloudiness with signs of pain such as squinting or rubbing
  • Cloudiness with swelling, discharge, or redness
  • Cloudy eyes with lethargy, not eating, or fluffed feathers
  • Cloudiness with breathing difficulty
  • The parrot is injured from bumping into objects

When in doubt, contacting an avian veterinarian for guidance is the safer choice. Emergency signs in parrots should never be monitored at home without professional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cloudy eyes in older parrots normal?

Cloudiness can develop with age as cataracts form in senior parrots, but not all cloudy eyes are age-related. An avian veterinarian can determine whether the cloudiness is a cataract or another condition requiring treatment.

Can cloudy eyes in parrots be treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. Infections may respond to medication, while cataracts may require specialized care. An avian veterinarian can assess the eye and recommend appropriate options. Do not use any eye medication without a prescription.

Will my parrot go blind from cloudy eyes?

Not necessarily. Some causes of cloudiness are treatable, and parrots can adapt to reduced vision. However, prompt veterinary evaluation gives the best chance of preserving vision and identifying any underlying disease.

Can heavy metal poisoning cause shaking along with other symptoms in parrots?

Yes. Zinc and lead toxicity can cause neurological signs including tremors, shaking, seizures, and other symptoms. Sources include galvanized wire, hardware, certain toys, and old paint. An avian veterinarian can test for heavy metals and begin treatment.

Start with a Symptom Triage

If your parrot is showing cloudy eyes, do not guess about the cause. Use PawAI Lab Symptom Triage to describe what you observe, then contact an avian veterinarian as needed.

SYMPTOM TRIAGE

Describe what you see and get a prioritized, evidence-based assessment of possible causes.

Try Symptom Triage

This tool provides general information and does not replace a veterinarian's diagnosis.

Sources

Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Symptom Triage tool provide general information and do not replace examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed avian veterinarian. If your parrot shows emergency signs, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.

Written by PawAI Lab