How to Tell a Female Parrot From a Male Parrot

Observe the birds behavior. Male and female parrots both become sexually mature at between one and two years of age. Generally females are more aggressive than males. Also, mature female parrots may begin producing eggs after they reach one year old. Unfortunatley, however, this is not always the case. Most parrot owners prefer to use more reliable methods to determine the sex of the bird, especially when breeding is a consideration.

Feeling the pelvic bones is slightly more reliable than simply observing bird behavior. There is often a significant difference between the spread of the male and female pelvic bones of parrots. Some owners suggest tipping the bird upside down, and gently feeling the bones just above the anis. A males bones would most likely be close together, with an almost undetectable space between them, while a females bones would be further apart, with up to a quarter of an inch spread. Most experienced owners don't recommend this type of sexing of a bird, especially for new owners. It is considered unreliable at best.

Send a DNA sample from the bird to an experienced professional. An acceptable DNA sample can consist of four to five full grown feathers, or a very small drop of blood. There are several sites which you can access via the Internet which will give you detailed information on how to submit your birds DNA, for sexing purposes.

Have your bird surgically sexed. This is the option most preferred by experienced breeders. Surgical sexing involves taking the bird to a vet who will use an instrument called a laporascope to see inside the bird. Using this instrument the vet can view the birds sex organs, in order to determine whether it is a male or female.