Macaw health

Question
Hi I have a 17yr old Scarlet macaw she had great feathers up until 2 years ago when we went on vacation for a week. When the house sitter went to the house the next morning "Scarlet" had pulled out all her body feathers. So it's been 2years now and her feathers are not back but her wing and tail feathers look all ratty like. I have put vitem drops in her food, used mite spray I change her cage/food/water daily I give her a bath about once a week. I never see her chewing or pulling at her feathers. She seems to act her normal self not sickly. Do you have any Idea want could cause this feather problem??  

Answer
Hello Lynn and thank you for your post.
You need to get your friend in to see a Certified Avian or an Exotic Animal Vet to have her checked.  It is possible that she has worms, and this will effect her feathers drastically.
Also, try getting some Vitamin E.  Pierce a hole in one end, and put a drop into her water.  This will help get some moisture through her body (and with this being breeding season, it will help to keep her vent moistened so she doesn't get egg bound).
When you give her a bath, do not use any kind of soap or detergent.  Just use plain water.  Anything that you might use could poison her.

Please keep me informed.

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna