Newly adopted macaw

Question
QUESTION: We adopted a 5 year old Blue and Gold macaw.  We've had her almost two weeks now.  When we adopted her I noticed a little bit of redness around her eyes; otherwise her eyes look clear and normal.  I am also worried about the beginnings of what I think might be feather plucking.  She has just a little tiny bare spot on the left side of her chest, hardly noticeable.  Not sure it is feather plucking. Had this before we adopted her. Don't want this problem to develop!!!
She's active, talking, preening, playing, eating, and learning already.  She pinched us when we tried to get her to step up on our arms at first, and she has just about stopped doing that.  She has already learned to say "step" and "too loud!"  Learning fast.  And what a talker.  Can't believe a macaw is such a talker!
At the sanctuary, they told us she had been well cared for by her original owners, but was not handled much! She was at the sanctuary for about 30 days before we adopted her.  Parrots don't like these big changes.  Two in a row now.  
At the sanctuary, she was housed with many other parrots, including cockatoos.  I thought that environment was very noisy and overstimulating, maybe a bit stressful for her.  
My own environment has been a bit stressful for her, because this is a new adjustment, not only for her, but for my umbrella cockatoos (male and female) and my Congo African Grey.  
It's been a stressful almost two weeks now for me with all the birds trying to get used to each other. My cockatoos acted out pretty demonstrably.  Fussing, yelling, throwing their food.         
Now all of a sudden, day 12, everyone seems calm and happy!  It's quiet in the birdroom!!!  No screaming or annoying behavior out of anybody!  Nice!  Big change!
What a relief! Today they all seem like well-adjusted happy birds!  

The B&G sleeps downstairs with us in the master bedroom.  She does better with one on one attention right now.  Concerned about Too dust (I have a large Friedrich air cleaner designed for birds).  Felt it better that she sleep in a room away from the tooz and their dust even with the air cleaner on high.  
I take her to the vet tomorrow morning.  Still want to hear from macaw expert.  
Thanks, what advice do you have for me.  



ANSWER: Is the redness around the 'area' of the eyes and does it go away, then come back?
The slight bare spot you're seeing is most likely molting ('tis the season!), but you're wise to keep an eye on it.

Your vet visit will hopefully rule out any parasites and I HIGHLY COMMEND you on having this visit! It's obvious you're going to be a good home and I'm here to support you every step of the way (macaws are my speciality).

You're also right about the potential of dust/dander being a problem with the macaw. Macaws are known for being sensitive to such things (high degree of environmental allergies), but your air filters should be very helpful.
 If, at the typical high pollen times of the year for people, you notice increased sneezing and even discharge from your macaw, don't panic!  As long as the discharge is clear, the bird is still eating/drinking, droppings are normal, behavior is normal, no fluffing or going to bottom of the cage - you can watch and wait.  
 If the discharge takes on a cloudy or colored appearance, it's time to see the vet for a swab.

Lack of space here and no ability to post a picture, take a look at my page for more about how to quiet a macaw (or any bird) and establish the trusting relationship we all need to have with them:

www.geocities.com/animalrelief_info

Let me know how the vet visit went!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The redness around her eyes IS better today.  The vet said he thought the redness (and it was always mild) was the result of holding her head when they clipped her wings at the sanctuary.  She does sneeze just a little bit.  I'm sneezing a whole lot more!  

She's bonding to me extremely well.  She kept running to Mama (me) all during the vet visit.  She got away from the vet assistant several times (he was new to big birds) and  ran to me immediately.  She holds her foot out to me wanting to go with me every time I leave a room.  By the way, she gave the vet assistant one more nasty bite (I guess he'll learn how to hold big birds).  
Thank you so much.  You are a terrific help!!!  Kiwi is doing just fine, no problems!  

Answer
there is nothing like a macaw to love and be loved by.

The redness will likely return - it's called "blushing". Macaws are the only birds in the parrot world that do it. At least they're the only parrot that anyone  can SEE do it because of their white cheek patches.  They'll do it under stress or excitement. It's harmless.

The vet assistant will learn to hold her or learn to live without a finger or two :)

 Always remind them that a bird must be held from the sides - holding them too tightly from the front can 'suffocate' them since their respiratory system doesn't provide for rib cage protection like a mammal.

 I envy you for having a new little one like this. This time of their lives is so CUTE! How you start them off can matter forever - so keep up the good work!