B&G Macaw -- Feather/molting problems

Question
Hi Rev,

I rescued a Macaw a few months ago and Everything has been great except for recently I have been noticing that she is still molting. I was alwways under the impression that she would finish by the winter time but hasn't...I have also been noticing that her feathers are not coming properly. I am going to bring her to the vet as soon as I can but was hoping to get some advice before hand. Here are the links to some pictures so you can see how her feathers are coming. I am thinking there is a correlation between this feather problem and her eating habits. She hates eating her pellets and fruits..she eats other food, like bread, pasta, and things along those lines. I tried soaking her pellets in apple juice without much luck. I added seeds back to her diet but she eats the sunflowers and leaves the rest. I appreciate any advice.

the pics of her feathers are uploaded here:  

Answer
The pics of the feathers didn't come through, but that's ok, I believe I know what you're seeing.
You're 100% right that her diet isn't great and I also understand why you'd add the seeds back if she stopped eating.  
 I'll try to work with you with her and perhaps together we can turn her around.

 Let's start with a seed mix that does not include sunflower seeds. Macaws can tolerate a higher fat diet than most birds, but sunflower seeds are just too much fat in too much quantity.  She's not going to be happy, but healthy is a decent trade off.
  When it comes to moulting, it's not unusual for it to be continuing at this time of year.  I have two in house girls who are also still moulting.  As long as she's not plucking (self mutilating) you're probably ok.

 Since she likes bread and pasta, make it whole grain selections.  It might be a bit more costly, but it lasts a long time in birdy portions.  Mix in some black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, peas, carrots - she'll get the idea.  
 Another great 'trick' is to share mealtime. When I get a difficult eater, I'll make a plate for myself and start eating with all the appropriate yummy sounds to get their attention.  Then I'll share the food right off my plate (which is intended for them anyway) and you'd be surprised at how they'll try!  One of my girls constantly declares her meals as "good, good" with every bite and another girl makes "Ohhhh!  Mmmmmm!" sounds like she's eating the most decadent dessert.

 Whole grain cereal (low or no sugar) for breakfast with some raisins, cut up bananas, apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon gets them started.  For a snack during the day sometimes they prefer a raw carrot stick, other times they want cooked.
 
You can also try offering her a spoon of baby food. Just make sure it's all natural, one ingredient food like squash, sweet potatoes, peas, green beans.

Offer a cooked chicken leg with just a bit of the meat left on it (no skin).  Our B&G enjoys breaking it open and eating the marrow out; our Severe macaw just enjoys the meat and then lobbing the leg at the blue and gold afterward.  Funny stuff!

 Cooked brown rice, unflavored oatmeal are usually well received.  
 When it comes to the pellets - maybe you just didn't find the right kind yet.  There's really nothing wrong with using the fruity flavors if that's all she'll eat. What's important is getting off a mostly seed diet.  

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