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Birds--General/general details on sexing weiro's/cockatiels

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Expert: - 6/9/2007


Question
Hi Chrys,
I have two cockatiels,which I would like to determine their sex.
One is darkish grey,Yellow head with red cheeks.
Other one is light grey White head & face with no colour on it.
Secondly, they both talk.  Do only MALES talk (in which case I obviously know that BOTH are males, or do both sexes talk.  Is there any 'general' principle to determine what sex ANY cockatiel is?.
Regards Peter
Secondly

Answer
Hi, Peter.

I'd have to see a photo of the 2 birds in order to try and sex them visually.  With tiels, yes, usually only males learn to mimic.  Females chirp, but males have a beautiful song and are usually the more vocal of the 2 sexes.

Tiels can usually be sexed visually if you know what to look for.  However, some color mutations, such as pieds, or other multiple color mutations, can be very difficult to sex visually.  In these cases, taking colors, behavior, and vocal ability can help to narrow down the sex of a bird.  

If you can send a photo(s), let me know and I'll provide an E-Mail address.

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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