I've been in the avian field for nearly 30yrs now. I have both wild & domestic species experience, and have been owned by MANY different species of parrots over the years. I'm currently owned by an IRN or Indian Ringneck (Keiko) & my GCC or Green-Cheek Conure (Kiwi). My IRN Keiko is a male currently a year and half old going through a pretty rough molt. However, even though IRN's aren't very "cuddly" birds. They will still appreciate as would any molting species of bird; a head, chin, & cheek preen from us there "human companions". If your feathered friend is not "hand tame" or is but is "moody" during there molts. I suggest toweling your bird gently and keeping it's head exposed of course. Gently rub the areas that your bird cannot reach, especially after they've had a warm misting. It's no different that cutting your fingernails or shaving once you have gotten out of the shower. Everything is obviously softer, so therefore the same principle applies here with your bird. I also recommend, upping the protein intake of your bird while it's molting. Those "pin feathers" are drawing on your bird's dietary intake. That said, if no protein is supplemented there going to have a very difficult time producing strong healthy new feathers. I often suggest to folks/friends to feed hard boiled egg the yolk only along with bits of the shell crunched up into small pieces. Also, carrots & fresh corn on the cob are EXCELLENT natural supplements in aiding and quickening the molting process. Personally, i have my birds on 3 different diets, a seed dish comprised of Higgins Sunburst Conure. Which is one of THE BEST seeds out there containing all the essential vitamins and minerals they need. There also fed Zupreem Fruit Blend Pellets, & Higgins InTune Pellets. Along with small portions of fruits and veggies. On this diet, i have found they are EXTREMELY healthy, which is visible through there stool production. As far as a seed and pellet diet, you cannot go wrong with Higgins or Volkman brand seeds. In terms of pellets, Higgins, Zupreem, or Harrison's are top notch in my book. And remember i've been doing this for 30yrs now without any issues. As far as vet checks, there is a general debate out there as to whether or not you should vet your birds. And one of the general issues with vetting them is putting them at risk of "possibly" contracting something during there visits. Birds of any species, no matter how "hardy" they may be are VERY susceptible to illnesses. Now don't get me wrong, i'm not saying you shouldn't visit your vet. As emergency's can and often do happen that's just a part of being a responsible animal owner. However, you may want to think twice about a visit that could turn into a costly endeavor if it's simply a molting issue. Which with today's online technology there are plenty of folks out there experienced enough like myself who would have no problem sharing there experiences or giving sound advice. If you follow these simple steps, careful monitoring of "body language", nutrition & diet, exercise, & most importantly interaction. You will have some larger species of parrots who just might outlive you...!!! Morbid as that may sound it's comforting knowing you did all the right things necessary for a long happy & health life for your feathered friend. And trust me folks, they'll thank you for it ten fold....!!!
. I emailed the breeder and he called me back told me keep up with the good diet and extra fruits for her. Said her crabbiness may be from the molting she is going through right now. I was trying to help her but she doesn't want me touching her right now so I just put her to bed for the night. I feel so bad for her, wish I could tell her I was trying to help her.
