Bald spot on the back of my Green-Cheeked Amazon's head

by Ashley

Hello there, and thank you for taking the time to read and answer my question.

I have a 7 year old Green-Cheeked Amazon who has never once had a plucking problem or anything of the sort. A few weeks ago, I noticed he had a patch on the back of his head and neck that was just down feathers; none of the usual feathers had grown back after his last molt.

I disregarded it at first, thinking he was just looking a little ratty because it was a bad molt, but the feathers have yet to grow back. This has me worried, because I know that birds don't show illness unless they're VERY sick, and I'm not sure if these feathers not growing back is a sign that he has some sort of illness that's preventing the process.

I've examined the area myself, and his skin appears normal and healthy looking. The area doesn't seem to hurt him either; it just looks really abnormal. If I look close enough, I can actually see a couple of little empty holes where the pin-feathers would normally be growing out of. As I said, my bird has never had a problem with feather plucking before, and the only thing I can think of that might have caused him some stress is my leaving for college for the first time in August. My parents take good care of him while I'm away, and assure me they pay lots of attention to him to make up for me being gone so often. I visit home every weekend and on breaks, but I fear that my absence is beginning to take its toll on my pet.

What do you think? Could my bird be sick without me knowing, or has he been plucking while I've been away? This is a really bizarre finding for him, since he's never had a bald patch anywhere on him before. Please let me know if you think its serious or if you think I should have him looked at.

I appreciate any insight you might have to this problem.