It can be difficult to recognize the sex of birds and can be particularly challenging for most parrots. Many varieties do not exhibit obvious sexual characteristics; the only way to know for sure if it is a male or a female is to wait for it to lay eggs. However, some species have different signs that you can observe.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Gender
Step 1. Look for the eggs
The surest way to determine the sex of parrots is to observe whether or not they lay eggs. Only the females produce them and in nature they release them only after having had sexual intercourse with the male; however, those raised in captivity may not even produce them in the cage.
- This phenomenon does not happen until the budgies reach sexual maturity which, for many birds, is around 3 years of age.
- Egg production can have a negative impact on their health; if you have a single specimen and it lays eggs, contact your vet.
Step 2. Run the DNA test
Most people don't want to wait several years to define the gender of their feathered friend. For example, if you are a breeder, you need to know if your specimens are sexually compatible; you can then submit them to a DNA test to get confirmation; typically, the result is fairly accurate, although not 100% accurate.
- Contact your vet for this test.
- You can send the samples to analysis laboratories; you have to follow specific instructions to be able to send a feather or a cut nail.
Step 3. Identify your gender through a surgical procedure
This must be done by an experienced veterinarian. If you do not have the necessary knowledge in the field, it is unlikely that you will be able to correctly identify and recognize the sexual organs of birds. Ask your vet about surgery or ask him to recommend a doctor who can take care of it.
- With the development of the DNA test, it is rare for the sex of birds to be defined through surgery.
- The surgical approach is mainly used for adult specimens of which no previous history is known, as it is known to be harmful to the reproductive system of smaller and younger birds.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying the Gender of Specific Breeds
Step 1. Recognize the gender of the monk parakeet
When buying or adopting a parrot, you need to ask for details about its breed. Different types of birds have different appearances and behaviors; moreover, for some it is easier to identify their sex. In the case of a monk parakeet, the only sure way to tell if it is male or female is to wait for it to spawn.
- Some females do not lay them until they are over 10 years old and a lot of patience may be required in that case.
- You can also make a reasoned guess based on some behavioral traits of your feathered friend; for example, the male may move his tail from side to side during periods when hormone levels are high, while the female tends to move it more often vertically.
Step 2. Recognize the differences in the gray parrot
This specimen has several physical characteristics that can help you understand if it is male or female; however, it is important to remember that these are general criteria which are not based on scientific data. The best way to identify their sex is to wait for them to spawn or through a DNA test.
- The male tends to be larger; usually, it is 30-35 cm tall, while the female rarely reaches 30 cm.
- The spot around the eyes of the males is rather pointed while that of the females is more rounded.
- The female's plumage tends to be of a light gray color on the underside of the body; in the male these feathers are usually darker.
Step 3. Find the genus of a collared parakeet
This species differs from some others because it presents a sexual dysmorphism; this means that there are visible characteristics to distinguish the two sexes. The male develops a ring around the neck that has a dark and bright color, which is very faint in the female.
- The ring does not form until the bird is sexually mature, which is when it is about three years old.
- The female generally has a more rounded snout than that of the male.
Step 4. Observe the Senegal parrot
There is a fairly accurate way to define the sex of this species. The feathers under the tail of the male are almost always of a pure yellow; it is very rare for the male to have green plumage in this area.
- The feathers in the area below the female's tail are a combination of yellow and green.
- However, keep in mind that it is not a 100% accurate method.
Step 5. Distinguish the gender of the eclectic parrot
It is one of the easiest breeds to recognize the gender. The male is usually basically green, with patches of an intense red on the folds of the wings and on the sides of the body; the female is mostly red, blue or purple.
The beak of the male is multicolored, while in the female it is almost always and only black
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Parrot
Step 1. Offer him some moments of freedom from the cage
If you are considering buying or adopting one, be sure to consider all aspects of owning a bird. For example, if you want him to be happy, you need to give him at least some time each day to stay out of the cage; But before you decide to get one, you need to make sure you don't feel uncomfortable with the idea of it floating around the house.
- If you have an extra room, consider making it available exclusively for him - he will appreciate having some personal space in which to fly.
- Parrots love to gnaw, so be sure to cover wires, candles, air fresheners, or anything else that may be harmful.
Step 2. Interact with your feathered friend
The parrot is a very intelligent animal and can be an excellent playmate; remember that it is not an ornament, it has its own personality, loves some things and hates others. Take some time to get to know him.
- He is a social animal, so you should spend time with him every day; talk to him or try to sing something to him.
- Consider getting two, as these birds love to have company.
Step 3. Get him a large cage
If your friend spends most of the time in the cage, you need to make sure it is a comfortable space for him. Buy the largest one you can keep around the house and make sure it contains several perches and toys.
Place perches at different levels within the enclosure so that the bird has different places to play and rest
Step 4. Provide plenty of food and fresh water
Like people, parrots also need a variety of foods, including grains and vegetables. As the basis of its diet you can buy specific feed for birds, which you can however supplement with food for human consumption.
- From different vegetables, such as zucchini, peas and green beans, offer them cut into small bites.
- The parrot can eat almost any type of wheat-based breakfast cereal; you can give him dry ones every morning.
- The food that comes from your table should not exceed 20-40% of its overall diet.
- Also make sure he always has fresh, clean water.
Advice
- Ask your vet for some advice on identifying the sex of your parrot.
- Be aware of the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.
