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Why is my budgie's cere brown? Is it a male or female budgie?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Male

Hello my budgie cere is brown I don't know why if you look closely under the brown colour it shows blue. I don't know if it's a male or female and why the cere is brown! Can you help?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on January 30th, 2019

It looks like Ruby is pretty young, and it is hard to determine sex in young birds. If the cere is turning pink, brown, or crusty, Ruby could actually be a female that is becoming sexually mature. If the cere becomes very deep blue, that is usually the sign of a mature/active male. However- in some color variations cere color doesn't always indicate sex correctly.

If the brown is separate from the cere, is discharge, or you're seeing any signs of illness, then this could indicate an issue such as a respiratory infection which should be checked out by your vet.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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