Unhealthy looking feathers

Question
Hi,
I have a little peach fronted conure that is molting more than usual right now. Some of his older feathers look kindof unhealthy, especially at the ends. They become kindof jagged at the ends. This is mostly on his back and wings, not so much on his tummy. I'm concerned because he is about 20 years old but I don't know if it is because of old age or if he is sick? He's a bit more grumpy than usual too. He hasn't lost any appetite and has normal stool. I think he has had some weight loss, maybe because he's molting? I'd appreciate your advice on what I should do.
Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hello,
I believe the bird is just molting. Since he is older, it is taking longer for his feathers to grow back. It takes a lot of energy to build new feathers. Molting is, therefore, often timed to coincide with periods of less strenuous demands, such as after nesting or before migration. Since he is an older bird, you should make sure you are giving him a lot of good foods in his diet. A conure's diet consisting of a good small parrot mix which is supplemented with various fruits, green foods, millet spray, and occasionally some mealworms is generally regarded as suitable. A cuttlebone, or gravel and oyster shell in a separate dish can be provided. Vitamins can be added to the drinking water or the food. Some of the supplemental foods include apples, grapes, many garden vegetables such as spinach, watercress, field lettuce, poppy, chickweed, dandelions, carrots, corn on the cob, peas, endive, and sweet potatoes, & peanuts. Do not feed avocado as it is toxic to birds! Additional proteins can be offered such as cottage cheese, hardboiled eggs, & peanuts. Fresh water should be provided daily.

If you feel your bird is sick, I would take him to the vet after you have tried improving his diet and watching his behavior. If, overtime, he seems to be ok, then he's ok! But, if his behavior or feathers do not change, I would take him to an avian vet as soon as possible.

Hope this helps!
Good luck!