-- Evelyn Christian, Florida

Assuming there is a problem, any one of a number of conditions could be responsible for a delayed or incomplete molt. Let's start with your bird's age. Twenty-seven is fairly old for a Patagonian conure. Older birds can develop arthritis, which often makes it difficult to preen feathers properly. The good news is there's lots a veterinarian can do to ease the pain of arthritis and enable normal preening. Older birds can also suffer from impaired liver function, which can also affect molting. Again, your veterinarian can diagnose and treat many liver problems if they're caught early enough.

Some conditions such as vitamin A deficiency and other forms of malnutrition can result in keratin buildup. This can enable opportunistic bacterial infections to take hold, which in turn contributes to progressively abnormal pin feather development and waxy clumps something like you describe. Other possible culprits: cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, or any one of a number of chronic infectious diseases. You get the picture. Many of these conditions, on top of being progressively debilitating, can be quite painful. For these reasons, and with the best interest of your bird in mind, I would strongly advise that you have him evaluated as soon as possible.

Brian Speer, DVM, is an internationally renowned specialist in bird medicine, certified through the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) as well as the European College of Avian Medicine and Surgery. He is founder of The Medical Center for Birds in Oakley, Calif., an avian-exclusive practice specializing in the care of companion birds; co-author of The Large Macaws and Birds for Dummies; and past president of the Association of Avian Veterinarians.

Disclaimer: Ask A Vet advice is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat your bird. If your bird seems to be ill, injured or bleeding, please consult your avian veterinarian immediately and make an appointment for a physical examination and diagnostic evaluation.

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Beak Beaks bonked on floor can chip and bleed Beaks that grow too fast Chipped, flaking, injured beaks have different causes Decapitated upper beak can be overcome Nosebleeds probably not due to dry air Diet and digestion Change diet to combat constipation Chicken bones every day too much fat Final word on grit, The "Inflated" bird may be gulping his food Is it okay to feed potatoes to an eclectus? Lory nutritionist can help answer feeding questions Meat is a good source of protein Persistent regurgitation could be mere habit Poop-eating bird may need more nutrients Protein needs of specific species is unknown - so far Spinach, onions, asparagus all fine for birds Woods and other materials that are safe Disease and infection Adenoviruses afflict all species of birds African greys are not immune to West Nile Virus Allergies can lead to chronic sinus infections Arthritis may respond to an anti-inflammatory drug Beak-to-mouth contact isn't safe Diabetes in birds is rare Flagyl is the best treatment for giardia Kidney disease not caused by tap water Mucous and odor from mouth signal serious health problem Necrosis flareup may be due to seed allergy Parrots pose slight risk to babies PDD may cause secondary infections, requires disposal of wooden toys Psittacosis-causing organism is always present in some species Tail bobbing indicates serious respiratory problem Treating psittacosis can take time Yeast infections not caused from eating bread Droppings Foamy droppings could mean infection Undigested seed isn't normal Environment Car-sick birds can be acclimated Chickens and parrots are bad combination Exercise important for captive birds Fireplaces are safe - if maintained Incense fumes are dangerous Is it okay to sleep in the same room as a bird? Macaws can live at human temperatures Safe substances or not? Eyesight Cataracts can't be cured by vitamins Night vision not particularly good in parrots Feathers Broken feathers may be due to clumsiness Damaged follicles can deform feathers Feather abuse is tough problem Stained feathers clean up with warm, soapy water Stress marks may be due to follicle damage Weak feathers may be a symptom of PBFD What's a normal molt? Grooming "Dandruff" is crumbling feather sheaths and powder down Space pedicures to allow vein to recede Torn toenails were too long Growths Bubbles under skin are leaking or infected air sacs Distended crop might be trapped food Facial skin bumps should be removed Foot sores are herpes or "corns" Limp leg could mean kidney tumor Lumps can be cysts, tumors, even hernias Polyps can cause bleeding Injuries Broken bones heal quickly Falls in cage could have underlying causes Foot wound requires collar Hole in beak, missing toe not a problem Nerve damage can have long-lasting effects Wing injuries may need x-rays Miscellaneous Albino cockatiel sexing must wait until molt Becoming a veterinarian takes years of extra study Birds blush - but not for human reasons Blaming veterinarian for bird's death probably not fair Collapsed bird probably not stroke victim 'Crooked' bird has a skeletal deformity Deformed chick not likely to thrive Determine age by feathers, scales Foot rash requires vet visit Heart condition calls for ultrasound How are parrots able to speak? Leg cramps rare Potty training too well can cause problems Shivering bird is chilled, nervous or sick Shocking problem needs grounding Smelly birds may be ill Stunted spleen may be to blame for bird's demise Temperatures rise in active birds Weight regain can take time Yawning is normal behavior Parasites Fleas don't bother birds Reproduction "Anal kiss" achieves mating in birds Cloacal prolapse cure might require risky surgery Cloacitis can cause prolapse Cockatiel longevity, mating habits Cross-genus eggs rarely fertile Egg-laying affected by light and hormones Neutering not an option for parrots Sex parrots via coloration, surgery or DNA testing