SI Hen - Balding Spot? NOT PLUCKING

[EsJ87]

hello Everyone - Seeking any input or possible information regarding my dear girls developing bald spot. I've never had an Ekkie before so I am unfamiliar with visual signs and whether they may indicate cause for concern or if this is part of a normal molting process.... She is ~ 5-6 months old, hatch date is not confirmed as of yet.

Here are some photos I took of her on 5/1 and today 5/3. I just noticed this on 5/1 and plan to take her in for her Avian Wellness exam in Temecula possibly this Saturday if they have space available. Her crop droppings appear normal. I am trying not to freak out, but am worried if this is something I myself have caused. She's been home since 4/11/17 and has done well so far in adapting to her new home. She steps up nicely for me, and for the most part no longer bites me.
She gets very excited and is always eager to come out of her cage when she sees me!

I’ve kept her on the mostly seed diet provided by the previous Volkman’s Eclectus Mix. I take out the sunflower seeds and use those ONLY for treats during training (i also use almond slivers). I’ve also added varied fruits in the morning (banana, mango, raspberries) and veggies(carrot, green bell pepper, sweet potato and zuchinni) in the evening. I’ve weighed her a few times and she hovers around 340 grams, which i believe is underweight…. But figure this is because she is still young and not at her full 450-500g weight yet. . .

Any and all advice appreciated

THANK YOU!

:red:

 

[chris-md]

Looks like she's just going thought a heavy molt. Nothing to be concerned about.

 

[EsJ87]

Thank you for your response. Are heavy molts normal this early in age? As mentioned she is only about 5-6 months old... Here are some other details I forgot to mention

1) I Only noticed the feather loss on Monday. However, it appears the spot has grown since then... So i guess it is a mix of sudden and gradual feather loss.
2) She is the only parrot in the home, and has not been exposed to any other birds since we left the previous owner on 4/11/17. Therefore bird-to-bird transmission of an illness or a fellow plucking buddy are not possible.
3) Yes, she is Wet in this photo, I had just finished giving her a little spray shower. (Still trying to get her to enjoy it as she won't bathe in any shallow water yet).... However the bald spot itself doesn't change in appearance when she is dry. This initial photo is from 5/1 when i first noticed it and became very worried. The second photo is from earlier today, in which you can notice the spot has increased in size.

 

[Violet_Diva]

I definitely agree with chris-md on this one.
My Bella had the exact same kind of molt a couple of months ago. She looked pretty similar ontop to your girl, and eventually had some white pin feathers grow in, and now she's back to her beautiful red headed self again.
My boy Dexter has been molting in a slightly different area on his head and is starting to look like a monk!

I would say that as she's molting, you could increase her protein intake a bit.

Here's some info you might find useful :
moults

 

[coopedup]

I cant tell from the photo, and youngsters arent fully feathered at that age so her eye ring may just be coming in...but if she's a SI, 340 is a decent weight for one that age...when you take her for her exam, ask them, but the at home method is to feel either side of the breast bone, it should be plump/full, not boney. Its important to track her weight while she's growing to make sure she's getting enough nutrition.

 

[EsJ87]

Thank you all for your swift responses. I feel a little less guilty now... She still won't et me touch under her wings - so I may have to continue tracking her weight on the scale for the time being. Will continue to keep an eye on her, and make sure she isn't exhibiting any other concerning signs. Hopefully it is just a really early molt. She DOESNT have her eye ring yet, at all, and her beak still has a long of yellow. Thanks again for all of your responses and advice.

 

[EsJ87]

UPDATE - PIN FEATHERS ARE FINALLY VISIBLE ON TOP OF NOGGIN
**sigh of relief**