My conure rubs beak on cage and wicker chair

Question
I have a 5 month old sun conure. "Max" (don't know sex) has been in our home 2 weeks. This past week, Max started rubbing his beak on the bars of his cage and when I take him on the patio, he rubs his beak on the arm of our wicker chair. I'm not sure why he does this.
Also, this week, he started chewing on the top perch in his cage. He has wooden toys in his cage, but chooses to chew on the perch, why?
His favorite treats are unsalted peanuts & carrots.
Please help. Thank you

Answer
This sounds like it's just normal molt (beaks flake away the top layers all the time, but during molting season, which we are in, there tends to be more of this).  
 You might want to install a variety of mineral blocks, cuttlebone and even try a concrete or mineral perch.  Make sure the perch isn't one he has to stand on all the time though because it can irritate feet.

 If he's eating and behaving normally, droppings are ok and vocalizations are normal, these options should help relatively soon, but if this continues or worsens - if you notice any growths on, around the beak or in the mouth (especially white looking plaques) - he needs to be seen.  It could be a fungal infection or possibly bacteria - and these things are always most successfully treated when caught early.

Since he's so young it'll be easier for you to change that peanut habit.  They shouldn't have more than 1 or 2 peanuts a day (it's hard for owners to deny their birds such treats isn't it?).  If you keep up the peanut habit he'll (likely) eventually face a problem called fatty liver disease - and since this is avoidable, it's worth it to start now.
 Carrots are great treats.  So are pieces of yams and sweet potatoes (some birds like them baked or boiled; others like 'em raw).  

 Take a look at our girls and more tips for parrot care, perches, nutrition, needs and everything 4animal care

 www.4AnimalCare.org  (click on the bird tab)