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Birds--General/breeding parakeets

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Expert: - 12/25/2006


Question
hi i wrote you about three weeks ago and i just wanted to let you know that i had only three babys that lived out of 8 eggs and they are doing good i still want to send you a picture of the white parakeet that i have to see if it might be a male . i notice that the white ones ceres on its nose is turning purple so does that mean that it might be a male or is it a female when ever you write me back i will send you a picture of the white one i will send it to you

Answer
Hi, Kim.

Thanks for the update and congratulations!  When you have a white bird with a purple cere, it could be either a male or female.  The only way you can sex this bird for sure is with DNA sexing or wait to see if it lays an egg (or sex the bird based on it's behavior with other birds of known sexes).

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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