Is this a moult

[jane.davies.1690]

Is he moulting or something more serious
2362

[PlaxMacaws]

Can you get a closeup of each side of his face?

[jane.davies.1690]

2363

[PlaxMacaws]

I don't think it's a result of molting. But I can't really determine what that dark matter is near the gap between his upper and lower beak. Is there noticeably more skin showing around his beak than there used to be?

[94lt1]

Um.. Is he throwing his head around??? Ever look like his head is wet or like he has gel in his feathers? Especially in the morning... It could be a yeast infection...

[plax]

As Brandon suggested, he could be vomiting and the matter may thus be sticking to the skin and the feathers around his beak. If it were from a molt you would find pin feathers and there would be no matter around his beak and his feathers wouldn't be sticking together. So if that darkness in your photos is actually a flaky or crusty material, I would get him to an avian vet for assessment.

[jane.davies.1690]

Loads of white downy feathers.. not been sick.. eating well r

[plax]

Loads of white downy feathers.. not been sick.. eating well rWell, it's difficult to tell from the photos. It appears he has some bare skin around his beak and that there are some flaky looking patches at the demarcation where his beak meets his skin. But, again, it's hard to know exactly what I'm seeing from your photos. Watch for regurgitation/vomiting/head thrashing (especially in the AM) and watch for moisture on the feathers near his beak. If you detect either of those it would be a good idea to have him seen by an avian veterinarian.

[94lt1]

I always err on the side of caution with my flock... It's pricy at times.. But they didn't ask to be here.. So I do the best I can to keep them healthy.. Yeah it's stressful at times.. But once you've been around the block, you know not to let little things slide.. Birds will act healthy.. And a day later will drop dead.. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know :)

[jane.davies.1690]

Booked in for the vets

[plax]

Booked in for the vetsThanks for telling us, Jane. Please keep us updated about Blue. I believe you've made a wise decision.