Macaw scratches eye on occasion? Help!?

[CharlieTheHarley]

Hi! I have a 5 month old Harlequin Macaw named Charlie who tends to try and scratch his eye on some occasions. He doesn't appear to do it vigorously and it is not necessarily all the time but when he does do it it kind of worries me. I have looked into his eye and it does not appear to be red or irritated in anyway (I am not an avian vet or pretend to know what I am talking about when it comes to illness with birds). When Charlie does happen to scratch his eye it is almost as if he is trying to recreate the feeling of when I cuddle with him and ruffle up the feathers on his head and neck which he really likes. Still, I am worried that there may be some sort of unseen problem with him doing this. Also I have spotted a small almost pimple looking thing just below his eye. It looks like it is an ingrown hair or ingrown feather. If anyone has any info on this please let me know!

 

[Macaw Lover]

The scratching is just something that makes them feel good. That little spot is nothing to worry about and will go away. Just keep the usual eye on things.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Dtto what Renee said. Both of my macaws did/do the self head hugging. Keep an eye on the little bump. If it turns red or grows, then it's off to the Vet.

 

[CharlieTheHarley]

Renee' and Mary Lynn, thank you so much for replying. I will make sure to watch the bump so that it isn't anything bad!

 

[Bokkapooh]

Looks like he is preening his head with his foot. He may molt soon. So he's probably itchy. Lots of showers and helping him preen helps.

This is normal macaw behavior.

 

[Annamacaw]

Charlie is gorgeous and he is in great hands with you keeping such a close eye on him....

 

[Macawnutz]

Awww, he is a doll! Look at that baby face. Sounds like your baby is being completely normal to me, and as said, watch the bump and it should go away on it's own. Having a new baby always keeps you watching and worried

If I were you I would check around your area for a good avian vet and make a new bird checkup appointment. It's great to get to know your vet before you have a problem and that way your vet will get to know your bird as well. AA is a great place for help but it is always nice to shoot your vet an email ( or a silly little bump picture ) to make sure you are on the right track.

Your Harli is gorgeous!!!!

 

[Chantilly Lace]

Awe, what a cute baby!! I miss baby macaw cuddles, and big black baby macaw eyes.

 

[Macawnutz]

Awe, what a cute baby!! I miss baby macaw cuddles, and big black baby macaw eyes.

Ditto, they grow up too fast!

 

[Bokkapooh]

Do they grow out of the baby cuddles?

 

[Thugluvgrl187]

It doesn't appear to be anything serious. Keep an eye on it just in case and enjoy your faby!!

 

[CharlieTheHarley]

Than you Sarah! Yes, Charlie and I have already been to the Avian vet for his new bird checkup and blood tests but I will definitely make sure he receives all the necessary medical attention! Plus I know AA will help answer any questions I may have!