Since you see this at approximately the same time every year it could be something as benign as allergies (even though you're not seeing sneezing in particular); however, the suggestion I have is something that will take care of both of you.

Twice a year, no matter what, my permanent resident rescues (macaws) have a "well bird check up". We get a couple swabs, a blood drop and run routine cultures and chemistries.

There are two things this accomplishes (and a bonus): 1. The incredible peace of mind when everything comes back perfectly fine.

2. The vet is far more likely to open her office in the middle of the night, on a holiday or weekend - or just take my off-hours calls when she knows the patient (and the client) this well.

These aren't really costly when you figure the amount over a year. It's just part of bird-owning maintenance.

The bonus is that wing and nail clipping is thrown in, saving me the trouble (which one of the girls tends to give me over these routines).

The visit eliminates the sick with worry feeling and is absolutely priceless don't you think?

Now, when it comes to your 'too and right now - you might want to pull back on some of the fruit which can cause the watery droppings. As long as you're seeing some formed faeces it's not true diarrhea (which is nearly always the result of a more serious underlying condition).

I'd like to see him more on a pelleted diet too. These should make up 80% of their diet with 20% being seed and fresh foods being given freely above and beyond this.

It's not easy for some birds to make the conversion, but quite often that's because their owner is too easily swayed by their demands and fear that the bird isn't going to eat at all if they don't get their junk food.

When I take in rescues, one of the most common problems is nutrition. The birds are either terribly underweight or obese. Changing their diet is often a matter of life or death and I haven't lost anyone to date.

I'll try every type of pellet out there, whether fruity or plain, spicy or a combination - just be sure to get the size & type appropriate for your individual bird.

Offer a pellet from your fingers as a treat (if your bird is used to taking treats from your fingers that is) and go ahead and try one yourself so the bird can see. I'm serious - try it yourself. Your bird shouldn't be expected to eat anything that you wouldn't eat yourself.

I've mixed pellets in with cereal too, especially a good, healthy, low sugar type. Try crushing them into an all natural yogurt or baby food of mixed vegetables, sweet potatoes, squash or the like. One of our macaws started to love them when she found them in with her blueberries and other cut up fruit.

I've found it's not a good idea to mix the pellets in with the seeds, but be creative otherwise.

One warning is that if you mix the pellets in with anything wet or even make a ‘mush' out of the pellets using plain water, a natural, low sugar fruit juice - you must remove the dish (must!) after an hour or two, tops. There's too much chance for bacterial growth in wet foods and this only makes a problem worse.

While making the conversion you need to monitor your bird very carefully. I strongly suggest getting regular weights.

A gram scale is one of the best investments a bird owner can make since many illnesses are not noticed until pretty far along. With a regular weight monitoring, you'll know when a weight loss (or gain) trend occurs and may be able to stave off serious problems by catching them early.

I weigh everyone every Saturday morning, right after a dropping. They've come to expect it and happily step up on the scale when it's their turn.

For more ideas and options at conversion, take a look at these links. There are as many ‘right ways' as there are individuals.

http://www.avi-sci.com/converting.htm

http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/nutrition/convert.html

http://birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww44eiii.htm

http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/convertingdiet.php

Finally, try setting up a vaporizer (rather than a humidifyer) in the 'too's room at this time of year. It puts a good deal of steamy moisture back into the air and can help cut down on a lot of the powder you're probably finding.

It impresses me that you're very attentive and devoted to this lucky guy. I'll be anxious to hear how he makes out when you get his exam done (and I'll hold you to have that done, no putting it off, ok?)

How does your vet take blood?

I'm glad to hear he's perking up, but it wouldn't be responsible of me to say anything other than keep a close eye on him. Birds tend to hide illnesses remarkably well and this 'second breath' may just be temporary. I honestly hope not. I want very much for this to be a temporary event which can just happen. Birds can have a bad day now and then, especially when they're molting or if they don't get enough sleep for some reason, but more than a day - well, as I said, I'd rather be overly cautious than not.