Wondering about gender of conures

[LaurieLJT]

I’m curious if there is any body language or certain habits to figure out if my conure is either boy or girl ? I know there is DNA testing which I think is expensive and ( don’t know how they do that ).
Thanks

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

I paid $50 for DNA testing at my vet’s office about 10 years ago. I see that there are now many DIY testing kits sold online that cost less than $20.

If you aren’t comfortable getting a blood or feather sample from your bird, call your vet’s office and ask for a quote. It is not as expensive as you think.

 

[LaurieLJT]

I paid $50 for DNA testing at my vet’s office about 10 years ago. I see that there are now many DIY testing kits sold online that cost less than $20.

If you aren’t comfortable getting a blood or feather sample from your bird, call your vet’s office and ask for a quote. It is not as expensive as you think.

Ok thanks. The feather sample is that something that fall off on its own right ?

 

[Jexnell]

Very experienced bird handlers can tell by feeling the pelvis bone. Otherwise they are identical in looks so can't tell that way.
When I had my boy Phoenix tested they ground down a toe nail till they got a very small bleed, just enough for the test then used clotting agent to seal up the bleed. If I remember correctly it was just $50 about four years ago.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

Ok thanks. The feather sample is that something that fall off on its own right ?

No, the feathers have to be freshly plucked from the chest. Feathers that naturally fall out will not work. If you are squeamish, best to pay extra and visit the vet. You can pay for a nail trim and get the blood sample that way—no office visit charge beyond the nail trim and DNA test.