Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: View physical characteristics
• Method 2 of 2: Consult experts
• Warnings

African Gray Parrots are smart, popular birds. Knowing the sex of your parrot can be helpful if you are planning to breed or if you are introducing a new bird and want to avoid mating. Sex cannot be determined physically, although there are some characteristics that are slightly different in males and females. If you want a definitive answer, you should contact a bird veterinarian or have a DNA test performed. This is the only way to determine the sex of your African Gray with certainty.

To step

Method 1 of 2: View physical characteristics

1. Watch the body. There are slight differences in body type and size between males and females. First, evaluate your bird's general body type to get an idea of ​​the likelihood of a male or female. From there you can view more subtle physical characteristics.
   • Males are usually 30-35.5 cm in size. Females are generally a bit shorter.
   • The body of a male gray redstart is slightly rounded, while that of a female is usually more slender.
   • A male's head is usually small and flat and they often have a shorter neck. Females typically have a longer neck and a larger, rounder head.
2. Examine the coloring. Males generally have a darker and more uniform color than females. Females, on the other hand, have a coloration that gradually changes from light to dark from the neck to the abdomen.
   • This technique can only be used in birds older than 18 months. A chick's feathers are still growing and their color will change with age.
3. Examine the tail feathers. Traditionally, male birds have darker tail feathers than females. You have to use the belly feathers see. These are about 10 feathers that are directly under the tail of the bird. You can gently pick up your African Gray and turn him or her over to examine the feathers.
   • Females have belly feathers that have a gray border. The belly feathers of males are completely red. There may be a small white hairline on the feathers of males.
   • Keep in mind that this test is not accurate for young parrots. You cannot rely on the tail feathers to determine sex unless your bird is at least 18 months old.
4. Check the wings. Watch your parrot when it flaps its wings. You should be able to see three gray strips on the underside of the wings. The colors of these strips are slightly different in males and females.
   • In females, the stripes are usually gray, white and dark gray. In males they are usually gray, gray and dark gray.
   • Since this difference is very subtle, it can be difficult to spot. Therefore, in addition to the coloration of the wings, also look at other characteristics of a roostail parrot to determine the sex.

Method 2 of 2: Consult experts

1. Find a certified bird specialist in your area. Bird specialists are veterinarians who mainly focus on birds. There may be a specialist association that can help you find a good vet in your area.
   • You can also search the internet for, for example, "bird specialist in the area".
   • If you also have other pets, talk to their vet. He or she may be able to refer you to a specialist or may perform a blood or DNA test themselves.
   • Make sure the vet is licensed. He or she must be able to provide official evidence.
2. Have the sex determined by the bird specialist. A vet can perform laboratory tests to determine the sex of your bird. It can be expensive to have your bird's sex determined this way.However, it is sometimes necessary to know the gender. If you are trying to breed, you will need a male and a female. If you want to avoid mating, make sure the birds are the same sex or you need to get a bird spayed.
   • Veterinarians often use endoscopic examination to determine sex. A telescope is used to examine the internal organs of the bird.
   • The vet may have other tests available to determine the sex of your bird. Sexing options depend on your bird's overall health and medical history, so discuss options with your vet.
3. Do a DNA test at home. You may want a less invasive method of sex determination. There is always a risk of injury to the bird in surgical and laboratory examinations. You can purchase a DIY DNA test or blood card, which you can then send in to have your parrot's DNA examined. These sets are easy to set up and simple to use.
   • You can collect DNA from fallen feathers, eggshells, or nail clippings. DNA from these samples is just as accurate as DNA from a blood sample.
   • You can ask the vet if he has such a set available. However, always make sure that you get a recognized DNA certificate after the examination.
   • It is important to note that blood and moulting feathers do not contain enough DNA for accurate testing. So you will immediately have to pluck a feather from your bird.
   • You should receive the results pretty quickly. It will take approximately two to three business days. A test set costs about 15 euros.

Warnings

• Always be careful when handling parrots. African Gray Parrots can seriously injure you if they are annoyed or scared, so wait until your bird is calm and comfortable before handling him or her.
• The only way to determine the sex of the African Gray with 100% certainty is through a DNA test.