Male cockatiels have bright plumage.
Identifying male and female cockatiels is tough sometimes because the parrots will not begin to show their sex until they are between 6 and 9 months old. After the first molt, however, identifying the male and female cockatiel is easier because males begin to display bright plumage in their faces. You can also take your parrot to a trained professional or test its gender through DNA testing.
Instructions
1. Look at your cockatiel's plumage. Feathers in adult males are generally brighter and more defined. The most obvious of these colors is a yellow face. Adult females have some yellow in their faces but they are primarily gray.
2. Check your cockatiel's tail feathers. After the first molt, the underside of the tail feathers on a male are a solid color while the feathers on a female are barred.
3. Listen to your cockatiel. Males possess a greater speaking ability and they whistle more than female cockatiels. Females are usually more quiet than males.
4. Look at your cockatiel's pelvis. Female cockatiels will usually have a wider pelvis than males, which causes them to stand with their feet farther apart on the perch.
5. Watch your cockatiel's behavior. Females are more aggressive and more prone to bite and hiss than males. Males do more strutting around than females. Another clue that might indicate you have a male cockatiel is how the bird reacts when it sees its reflection in a mirror. A male will almost always be fascinated with his reflection while a female will lose interest.
6. Purchase a DNA test. DNA testing is a sure way to determine the sex of your cockatiel, regardless of the bird's age. DNA testing kits are available from laboratories and you can submit a sample of your cockatiel's blood by clipping a toenail slightly higher than you normally would. Treat the nail with styptic powder to avoid losing too much blood after cutting.
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