How to Tell Male From Female Lorikeets

Most lorikeet species are impossible to sex visually. Their behavior, plumage, and size are identical between the sexes. But, if you are interested in breeding your lorikeets, it's essential that you know the sexes of your birds. There are only two reliable methods for determining the bird's sex. The easiest and least stressful for the bird is DNA sexing. The second method is surgical sexing, which must be done by a veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Testing card
  • Plastic bag
  • Nail clippers
  • Envelope
  • Stamps
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a testing card from a company that does DNA sex testing for birds. You can get a card from your vet, or search online and contact the company directly. They will mail you a testing card. Some companies allow you to print the cards from their web site.

    • 2

      Obtain DNA from your lorikeet. You can use eggshells from newly hatched chicks, blood, or feather samples. Pluck at least five feathers from your lorikeet's chest for feather testing. Put the feathers or eggshells in a plastic bag, then mail them to the company.

    • 3

      Draw blood for a blood test by clipping the dark part of the bird's nail with clippers. Smear a drop or two of the blood onto the testing card. Fill out the testing card, then stamp it and drop it in the mail.

    • 4

      Talk to your veterinarian about surgical sexing. The vet will need to anesthetize the lorikeet, then make a small incision and examine the sex organs through an endoscope.