Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 9/8/2007

Question
Hello,

Our budgie, Buddy, is six years old.  He used to have a beautiful blue cere and bright yellow beak.  Now he has a very dark cere and dullish/brown/yellow beak.  Last time I took him to the bird store to have his nails & wings trimmed, I was told he was a she and the beak changed colors due to hormones.

Do you agree with this?  Or could he be sick or need vitamins or a different diet?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi, Charisse,

At 6 years of age, your budgies cere should not be changing colors.  Ceres can change colors before a budgie molts into its adult plumage, but this occurs when the bird is about a year old.  A blue cere indicates a male bird, a brown/tan/beige/white cere a female bird.  However, a blue cere with white "framing" around it can be a female bird.  Yes, the beak can change colors due to hormones, but it can also indicate a health problem.  

You'd have to provide me with more details about your bird's diet, general health, etc., in order to be able to provide more advice.  The more information you can provide, the better I'm able to help.  Is there any way you can send a photo of the cere/beak?  Thanks.

Chrys