Greenwinged Macaw

Question
My Greenwing macaw, Mason, is nearly two years old and I see that his beak is growing and needs to be trimmed, but he is constantly scratching the bottom beak and rubbing it on his perch and cage..and loves it when I scratch it.  Is this normal or could he have a serious problem? He doesn't seem to have any other problems, other than presently molting.  

Answer
Sometimes an overgrown beak can be a symptom of other problems, often nutritionally based.
 
If this is absolutely ruled out, the solution may be no more complicated than increasing the amount of shreddable/chewable wood provided. Make sure it's a type that can actually be chewed to pieces (fruit woods, pines, etc).  The harder woods like manzanita are attractive to owners because they last longer, but unfair to the birds because they don't get the beak-exercise they need to keep it in shape and trimmed.

Also, make sure there's a mineral block and cuttlebone (both should be fresh and clean regularly) in his cage.

If these options don't solve the problem, it's necessary to have your companion evaluated by an avian vet or a DVM who is well experienced with larger birds like this.  

We have ours checked with 'well bird visits' twice a year, no matter what. This keeps them and the vet familiar with each other, just in case an emergency ever arises. There is no peace of mind better than this.

Check our birds out and more about care, behavior modification, etc. (all free and all complete, nothing is sold or promoted)

 www.4AnimalCare.org (click on 'birds')