Strange new habit for my Half-moon Conure

[Raekwon]

I have had Captain for a few years now. About 6 months ago he started doing this strange new thing. First he would climb to the top of his cage and find the little holes in framework of his cage (they look like little screwholes) and he will constantly put his beak in the hole like there is something tasty in there hes trying to get at. he will pull his beak in and out of the hole until I make him stop. But if I don't take him out of his cage he will go right back to it over and over. He did it so much that the constant rubbing of his face against the cage made a small section of his feathers discolor. After blocking the holes, he has started going to the back wall of his cage, putting his beak around one of the thin vertical bars and slide up and down, up and down nonstop. Again, rubbing so much that the small part of the top of his beak that touches the bar has turned the color of the cage.

Everything seems normal with him and his vet visits are good. He hast had a checkup since he started this but is due for one this month. But no changes in his environment, diet or anything else have occurred. He's not losing weight or acting sick or funny, except for the weird, constant rubbing on the cage. Any ideas? Thanks :)

Mike

[ROYJOY]

more toys, maybe some with holes. do you make any toys? maybe you could drill some holes?

[4HAND]

You could also try one of those acrylic maze type toys loaded with Nutriberries or other treats.This keeps Cheddarhead occupied for hours!Oh and those rafia shredders,they hold alot of chew interest as well.
Tena

[PowerBBS]

It's a possibility that the metal in that screw hole/or any hole for that matter is not coated with the bird safe paint and rust proofing and is actually becoming oxidized (which can give it a sweet, salty and some what sour taste - as humidity mixes in and you get an acidic reaction) and basically the beginning stages of rust starting. It's hard to determine/see or notice as those parts of the cage are not easy to see in and typically go un-noticed for years if ever.

I'm not saying this is your issue, but it's just a possibility.