African Greys are smart.If you want to prevent breeding or if you're introducing another bird, it's helpful to know the sex of the parrot.Sex can't be determined physically, although there are some characteristics that tend to differ between males and females.If you want a definitive answer, you should contact an animal doctor or have a genetic test done.If you want to know the sex of your African Grey parrot, this is the only way to do it.
Step 1: Consider the whole body.
Males and females have different body types and sizes.If your bird is more likely male or female, it's time to consider its general body type.You can see more subtle physical characteristics from there.Male height is usually 12 to 14 inches (30 to 35.5 cm).Hens are shorter than this.The body of a male African Grey is round, while females are more slender.The heads of males are small and flat.Females tend to have larger heads.
Step 2: Take a look at coloration.
Males have a darker color than hens.Females have a gradual light-to-dark color from their neck to their belly.Only birds older than 18 months should be considered.The color of a chick's feathers will change with age.
Step 3: The tail feathers should be examined.
Greys have darker tail feather colors than hens.The "ventral feathers" are what you need to check.There are feathers under the bird's tail.If you want to look at the feathers, you can pick up your African Grey and flip him over.Ventral feathers are in a shade of gray.The males have feathers that are red.There is a small white on male feathers.This test is not accurate for young parrots.Unless your grey is 18 months of age or older, you cannot rely on tail feathers to determine sex.
Step 4: The wings should be looked at.
When your parrot is flapping its wings, watch it.There are three bands of gray on the underside of the wings.The colors of the bands are different in males and females.The bands are usually gray, white, and dark.The bands are usually gray, gray and dark in males.It can be hard to spot the difference as it is very slight.In order to determine sex, you should look into other physical characteristics of an African Grey, such as wing color.
Step 5: Look for a bird specialist in your area.
The primary focus of the trained vets is birds.You can find information about finding a certified vet on the AAV website.You can use the internet to find aavian vet in your area.He or she may be able to refer you to a specialist or conduct a blood or DNA test in your home.Make sure your vet is certified by the AAV orABVP.Documentation should be provided to prove this.
Step 6: Have your vet determine the sex of your birds.
The sex of your bird can be determined with laboratory testing.It can cost a lot to take a bird for sex identification.You may need to know the sex of your bird.You will need a male and a female if you want to breed.If you want to prevent breeding by introducing a new Grey to your home, you need to make sure the birds are the same sex.Endoscopies are used to determine sex.This involves using a telescope to look at a bird's internal organs.The sex of your bird may be tested by your vet.Sex testing methods are dependent on your bird's health and medical history.
Step 7: If you want to conduct a DNA test, you should do it at home.
It is possible to determine sex with a less intrusive procedure.There is a risk of harm to your bird with surgical and laboratory tests.If you want to get a DNA test for your parrot, you can mail in a do-it-yourself kit or blood card.The kits are easy to assemble.It's possible to get DNA from plucked feathers, eggshells, or toenail clippings.It is the same as a DNA test from a blood sample.You can ask your vet if they can give you this kit.You need to get a certified DNA document from this testing.Blood feathers and molted feathers have enough data for accurate testing.You'll have to take the feathers out of the bird.You should get your test results as soon as possible.It takes a few days.It will cost you around fifteen dollars for a testing kit.