Identifying the sex of a bird can be difficult, especially with most parrot species. Many varieties of parrots show no difference between males and females. The only way to determine it is to wait when the bird lays eggs. However, for some species, there are several ways that can be used to determine the sex of a parrot.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identifying the Sex of the Parrot
Step 1. Find bird eggs
The surest way to determine the sex of a parrot is to see if the related bird lays eggs or not. Only female birds lay eggs. In the wild, female parrots only lay eggs after copulating with a male bird. Parrots kept in cages do not necessarily lay eggs.
- Parrots do not lay eggs until they reach fertile age, which for most birds occurs at 3 years of age.
- Egg production has a negative impact on bird health. If your single parrot lays eggs, call your doctor immediately.
Step 2. Use a DNA test
Many people can't wait for years to determine the sex of a parrot. For example, if you are a parrot breeder, of course you will need to know the sex compatibility of the birds. You can get a DNA test for parrots, and the results are fairly accurate, although uncertain.
- Have your vet run a DNA test.
- There are several laboratories that can be used for its services. You will need to follow specific guidelines for submitting a parrot feather or nail sample.
Step 3. Find out the sex of the parrot through surgery
This procedure should be performed by an experienced veterinarian. If you are not a veterinarian, it can be difficult to properly locate and identify a bird's genital organs. Ask if your vet can perform this procedure, or ask for a referral from a veterinarian who has experience with it.
- This method has been rarely used since the invention of DNA testing.
- This procedure is commonly used to determine the sex of adult parrots with an unclear history. This procedure damages the reproductive system of young parrots.
Part 2 of 3: Determining the Sex of a Specific Species
Step 1. Determine the gender of the quaker parrot
When buying or adopting a parrot, be sure to ask for breed information. Different types of parrots look and behave differently. Some species can be sexed easily. However, for the quaker parrot you can only wait until the bird lays eggs.
- Some quaker parrots do not lay eggs before they are more than 10 years old. You have to be very patient in determining the sex of the bird.
- You can guess based on the nature of the quaker parrot's behavior. For example, parrots usually move their tail rapidly sideways during hormonal times. The female bird usually moves her tail up and down.
Step 2. Learn about the African gray parrot
This parrot has several physical characteristics that help distinguish the sex. However, please note that this is only a general trait and has no scientific basis. The best way is to wait for the birds to lay eggs or get a DNA test.
- Male African gray parrots tend to be large. The height of the male bird ranges from 30-25 cm, while the height of the female bird is usually less than 30 cm.
- The African gray parrot usually has a pointed "eyelid", while the female is somewhat circular.
- The female African gray parrot has light gray plumage on the underside of her body. In male birds, this feather is usually dark gray.
Step 3. Find the gender of the ringneck parrot
The collar-neck parrot differs from other breeds in that it is sexually dimorphic (in two different forms). That is, there is a way to distinguish a bird's gender by its appearance. The male bird has a dark ring that is clearly visible on his neck. In female birds the color of this ring is quite faint.
- This ring does not appear until the parrot is sexually mature, which usually occurs at 3 years of age.
- The female collar-neck parrot usually has a rounder face than the male.
Step 4. Watch the Senegalese parrot
There are several accurate ways to determine the sex of a Senegalese parrot. The feathers on the underside of the bird's tail are almost always pure yellow. It is rare for green to be found in these feathers.
- The female Senegal parrot has a yellow and green colored tail.
- This method is not 100% accurate.
Step 5. Find out the sex of the parrot (eclectus parrot)
Parrot parrots are one of the birds whose sex can be easily distinguished. Male parrots are usually green with red splashes on the folds of the wings and on the sides of the body. Female parrots are generally red, blue, or purple.
Male parrots have various colored beaks, while female parrots always have an almost entirely black beak
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Parrots
Step 1. Give the bird time to get out of the nest
If you are considering adopting or buying a parrot, make sure you have considered everything about keeping birds. For example, a parrot must have time outside its cage every day to feel happy. Make sure you are comfortable with flying parrots roaming your home before buying one.
- If you have an empty room, it's best to use it specifically for your parrot. Your pets will love to have their special space to fly.
- Parrots love to chew so make sure you remove or cover any wires, wax, air freshener, or anything else that could hurt the parrot.
Step 2. Be social
Parrots are very smart and make good companions. Remember, parrots are not just decorations. Your pet has a personality, likes and dislikes. Take the time to get to know your bird.
- Parrots love to socialize so set aside time with your pet every day. Talk or sing to your animal.
- Consider keeping two parrots. Your pet will love new friends.
Step 3. Give it a large cage
If the parrot will be in its cage more often, make it as comfortable as possible. Buy the largest cage according to the size of your room. Make sure there is room for toys and perches.
Install perches at different heights so the birds have a variety of places to play and rest
Step 4. Provide plenty of water and food
Like humans, parrots need food from a variety of sources, including grains and vegetables. You can buy commercial pellets as the basis for the animal's diet. After that, add it with certain "human" foods.
- Feed the parrot a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, peas and green beans. Cut it into small pieces so the birds can eat it.
- Parrots can eat almost any type of grain-based cereal. Feed dry cereals daily.
- Solid foods should make up 20-40% of the parrot's total diet.
- Provide clean drinking water every day.
Tips
- Ask your vet for tips on determining the sex of a parrot.
- Understand all the responsibilities of a pet employer.
