Molting and Regurgitation Question

[fluffaloo]

Hello, Fumbles is a blue and gold macaw a little over 5 months old and has been acting a bit odd recently. I have noticed that she has possibly started molting her tail feathers and possible wings. I noticed more of the new pin feathers on the tail coming in rather than the wings so far and it started about one week ago or so. She has already lost 2 long tail feathers with no trace of blood or any sign of it being a broken feather.

However today while I was watching a show on my laptop with her, she started bobbing her head and from what it looks like, regurgitated on me. Should I be concerned at this point? Is she too young to be acting this way?

Background:
She went to the vet (with an avian specialist) 2 weeks ago and they said she was healthy.

I weigh her every day and she has been at an average of 830g for a month or so now.

She is active and is still willing to do her outdoor and indoor flight training

Any tips?

 

[Laurasea]

Regurgitation doesn't have to be about mates.
It can be practicing for that, and they can start young.
But it can also be a freinds and family thing

I like probiotics and learned about that here from other members! I use live culture yogurt read your lables ! No artificial color or sweetners.

I increased protein, and offered more seeds during molting this year beyond happy with results. Protein is building block. I felt birds should not look ragged during molt, a d my observation of native local birds they don't. I've read some articles on protein, and posted on my Ornithology thread under general parrot info.

 

[fluffaloo]

Thank you I will make her some eggs today and add some seeds to either her veggie or pellet mix. The only molting and conditioning product I know of is for cockatiels and small sized birds but would you recommend I try that as well.

 

[Laurasea]

I feed lots of veggies, as I am sure you do. But because you have a macaw I might increase the nuts you feed during this time.
My protein was eggs, walnuts, and small amount like a cube of chicken. Though one bird steal steak from me!!! Which lead to my reading up on parrots and protein. I came across a photo from scientist that showed Quakers on a deer carcass!!!! So upset I didn't save that paper. But did inspire the ornithology thread and lorikeets eating meat!
My change this year I did offer eggs everyday during molt, probably I gave the chicken every three days, and walnuts. I did give some pistachio and a few almond slivers
I took my birds during molt to the vet last year and asked what's up ? I don't think they should look like this. I was told they looked better than most and we're perfectly normal. But like I said I don't except that. And was determined that this year would make changes. My birds molted but you would never have know it except for finding shed feathers and down. No crankiness either!!! I even posted a showing off feathers pictures , they lookedike silk! I do also take my birds outside in their cages for Sunshine ( in light shade not direct sun) that makes a. If difference in feathers to

 

[Laurasea]

This is a good article too. As you have a bird that spends a long time with the parents in the wild, a year, longer? Your bird might benefit from an occasional hand feeding, can be formula, but can be part of their normal diet. I hand feed all my parrots daily , usually a new food, or pellets , originally because I wanted them to be good at trying new things. But the following article the author felt it should be part of your daily rituals. My rescue and other stories here about new rescue birds regurgitating for them, makes me think it can also be a sign of stress.
https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/stress-reduction-for-parrot-companions/

 

[fluffaloo]

That is awesome! Thank you for the advice as well, I will definitely try that! I do feed a veggie chop along with about 2 cups of pellets (fruit,natural, nut, and veggie blends). She gets to go on morning flights/walks so hopefully the sunshine helps.

She still seems to have a lot of "feather fluff" is it normal to lose some if not most during molting? How long is your birds molting process?

 

[Laurasea]

Yes loosing fluff, is normal. This is your birds first big molt to! I forgot that. First one definitely seems harder on them , and they are still developing and growing, so for me, I'd up those calories.
My molts seem to last a few weeks

 

[fluffaloo]

Thank you! I will let you know if I have anymore questions. Again, I really appreciate the help.

 

[Laurasea]

You're welcome!
Take advantage of all the squash and pumpkin available now, packed with healthy seeds!!! May have to wash and dry them, or lightly toast them or you might be lucky and he will eat raw. Plus feeding the squash cooked and warm is a yummy food