Redness around macaws nostril

Question
I have a 2 year old blue & gold macaw that developed a redness around his right nostril yesterday.  At first I thought it was just blushing, but he still has it this morning.  He had been scratching at his head a bit.  Could he have possibly just scratched himself there?  Or any idea what might be going on with him?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
It's very possible he's having some irritation as the result of an allergy.  Macaws are one of the most 'allergic' exotics in human care.  Oddly, to a degree, they're allergic to themselves and their sneezing increases during molts.  It's not unusual to find discharge from the nares as well, and this can be pretty scary, but as long as there's no color to it and everything else is good, it should pass in a day or two.

 If you're not seeing any other problems such as changes in the droppings, increased water consumption (or not drinking as usual), any differences in eating, behavior changes (especially lethargy, fluffing, imbalance) - give him another day or two to see how this goes.

Birds are remarkably fast healers and if he scratched himself it should start improving right away.  If it worsens, it's absolutely necessary to have him seen.

 Let me know how he is ok?   Take a look at our girls and lots more about macaw care   www.4AnimalCare.org