How can I tell if my budgie is a boy or a girl, especially when young?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 19th, 2017

  Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It appears from the image that Coco may be a male, but it is not possible to be 100% certain. Male budies typically have a more blue cere (the fleshy part just above the beak with two holes on either side) while females typically have a white or pinkish/red one. The cere can change color depending on the bird's hormonal status and age, so this is not a completely definite way to determine the bird's sex. You can purchase an at-home DNA kit to be 100% sure.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on December 1st, 2017

  If you talking about sexing a young budgie, they can be very challenging. Some are obvious not long after leaving the nest but often you need to give them a few weeks before it becomes clear. Here are a few things you can check:
  
  * a dull, not shiny, white ring surrounding the actual nostril is a good indication of a hen
  * you will often see a slight blue shade surrounding the white ring, this is not an indication of a male but a common feature of a young hen
  * hens ceres tend to appear flatter; a males will be rounded and bulging looking
  
  As you can see, it can be very difficult! There is another option. You can also purchase inexpensive DNA kits that also reveal the budgie's sex.
  
  https://vetdnacenter.com/dna-tests/avian-dna-testing/
  
  https://vetdnacenter.com/diy-make-your-own-kit/avian-diy-feather-collection-kit-instructions/
  
  Hope this helps. Best wishes!

  

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• Answered By Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

  Veterinarian, Board-certified avian specialist

  Published on December 12th, 2017

  Hi,
  Hmm a tough one. Right now it looks more like a female, but this could change as it matures. There is no way of telling age from a pic and tests don't tell you either. You could wait a few more months and if the cere does not change to bright blue, this is likely a female. Alternatively, a blood test could confirm the gender. This are available and not too expensive.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 3rd, 2017

  It is not clear from the photos. I cannot see the cere clearly. This website may help you determine the sex of your budgie:
  
  http://www.birds-online.de/allgemein/geschlecht_en.htm
  
  There are other online articles you can refer to and even some YouTube videos. If you still can't determine it I would suggest you take the bird to an avian veterinarian as they could likely help you after a brief exam.

  

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