u/ExistentialKazoo

This has always been my favorite TP album and this is the place it sounds like, and it smells like salt water and sweet Portuguese bread. I was 5 years old in 1991 and my family drove every summer in my Dad's Volvo station wagon to a little cabin with no electricity, but books, salt water taffy, watercolor paints, firewood and 4th of July parades. and grey seals and cranberry bogs.

Just one main road goes through here, [Kings] Highway 6.

I love this album so much and wanted to share.

I need advice, I hope you guys can help. Here is the data:

- 8 year old male GCC with no prior behavior issues. I've had him since he was very young and he has been my best friend. cuddly, playful, Velcro bird.

- He is molting. This isn't the first time, he's never been like this before.

- I am dealing with the beginning of a major medical issue. is it possible he smells that something is off with me medically?

- 5 days ago and 4 days ago, when I came to let him out in the morning, instead of cheerfully running to me to pick him up, he first retreated back to a perch at the back of his cage. after a little talking he came to the front and behaved as usual, my best buddy.

- 3 days ago and for all 3 days, he's behaving very differently. he gives happy chirps for me to let him out in the morning, but as soon as I open the door he flies to me and either bites me really hard, drawing blood, or bangs his beak on my head. after the first time he bit me hard, I approached differently, speaking to him sweetly before slowly opening the cage door, and only doing so if his body language was neutral (*not* lunging, flat-top head, or eyes pinning). also both yesterday and today I've worn hoodies with the hood up for my protection.

- Today I really tried. I spoke softly and moved slowly. I fed him some of his favorite things. I waited until he was calling me sweetly with neutral body language, and slowly opened the cage door. he flew straight to my shoulder. I turned on the kitchen faucet to entice him with a hand bath. he was temporarily distracted but did not accept the offer. instead he started banging the side of my head with his beak (hoodie up, didn't hurt). so just as before I calmly grabbed a towel, wrapped him and placed him back in his cage, closed the door, and walked away without reacting.

What is going on?

Is this a middle-aged molting behavior?

Is it possible he doesn't recognize my smell because I'm dealing with a medical issue? I'd think this would have started over a month ago if that was the issue. I have recently been crying. He's seen me cry before.

Is he having a medical issue and I should take him to the vet? He looks healthy, just mad at me.

I'm really confused about what's going on with him. I'd think after 3 days of mostly cage time (with me nearby), I'd think he'd be ready and eager to spend time with me. If anyone has helpful experience or advice, I'd really appreciate it.

P.S. - He has always barbed the tips of his feathers. it's not new, and has never been severe enough that I considered it worth giving him a hormone shot.