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Conference 7.286::pet_birds

Title:Captive Breeding for Conservation--and FUN!
Notice:INTROS 6.X / FOR SALE 13.X / Buying a Bird 900.*
Moderator:VIDEO::PULSIFER
Created:Mon Oct 10 1988
Last Modified:Tue Jun 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:942
Total number of notes:6016

361.0. "African Grey Coloring " by BLAYD::Belliveau (birds) Tue May 15 1990 12:28

Hi - We brought our birds to our favorite Bird Store - Misty Haven Bird Farms.
The owners told us our African Grey was definitely female because 
her coloring was so light. Has anyone else heard this about Greys?

Linda
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
361.1Is She A He Or He A She.......SWEETP::EAGERTue May 15 1990 15:5236
    
    	Yes, I have heard that but don't rely on it as it is not 100%
    certain. The best method for sexing a bird is to have a feather sexing
    done. You can buy the kit or have your vet order it for you. Feather
    sexing is about 99% certain. The cost is about $40.00 per bird.
    
    	The male Grey usually has a bigger and more squared-off head then
    the female. Often the coloring of the male is darker, but as I say,
    that is reliable. The female is usually smaller overall then the male, 
    and I have heard that the shape of the white area around the eyes is
    more rounded off on a female then the male, but that is unconfirmed
    rumor so far.
    
    	I have six greys and having set up two video cameras, I have been
    able to observe their natural behavior easily. Four of the greys have
    more of less paired off. The Sixth grey is my personal buddy and only
    gets visitation rights to the other greys.
    
    	Of the four that have paired off, I have noticed the the suspected
    Female is the smaller of the pair and is of a lighter coloring. The 
    Males heads are flatter and more squared off. From this I suspect that
    the 5 grey is a female as her appearance is generally the same as the
    two suspected females. Besides that Jonsey, my buddy, seems to be
    attracted to this bird. 
    
    	As soon as I let him out of his cage, when I get home, he climbs
    down and runs into the bird room and climbs on top of the Grey Cage.
    The Cage I have is 8ft long, 7ft high, and 5ft wide. He will usually
    sit on top and talk to the other greys. The fifth grey usually hangs
    from the wire underneath him or on the side near him. 
    
    	Sometime in June, I will be having a feather test done on all of
    the Greys and one of my conures and my Goffin Cockatoo. I will post 
    the results.
    
    						Mark