Lovebird - Possible infection??

Question
Our lovebird presents with a small cluster of feathers on the left side of it's head, just behind his eye, that stick out, feel stiff and have a brownish appearance close to the base.  The bird appears normal, active, eats well, etc.   We don't have any knowledge of lovebirds as we inherited this one from a relative.  It is very personable, loves to be handled and we don't know if a vet visit is in order?

Answer
Hi, Kevin,

A visit to a certified avian vet is probably in order.  Be sure this mass isn't just dried food that is stuck in the feathers or something other (have you tried using a cotton ball, Q-Tip or something else with warm water to try and remove?).  Since your bird is tame, this should be easy to do.  Perhaps your bird has scratched itself with its toenail or gotten a scratch from a toy or other in its cage and this is a scab.  Birds will behave normally, even when ill, so as not to draw attention to themselves.  It's when we notice they are sick that it can be too late to help them.  Best to visit the vet just to be sure.

Chrys