Not sure about this question

[Geordie]

Hello all.

Didn't really know where to post this question as it might be a species specific question about my Javas.

Maybe you can answer this question for me. As you know I am a newbie to bird keeping and I am still trying to learn how to sex my birds although it is probably too early at 3 months or so. But today they both took a bath and when they were shaking themselves down I noticed what appeared to be a small red bulbous, hmm how can I say, lump maybe. They both have it and it is located just above their tails on their backs. Never noticed it before as the tips of their wings and their feathers keep it covered. Now being a novice and all that don't laugh if I ask if female bird's genitalia are in that position

Although they let me handle them without any problems (they often have a snooze in my hand), I still haven't mastered the art of holding them securely yet, I have only been able to keep them from squirming long enough to give them their medicine (thank god I don't have to do that anymore) so I can't get a close look at the top of their tails.

Thanks
Geordie

[kenny]

hi geordie
i am afraid ,down there ahem!they are pretty similar i can give you a link to a site where they show you how to sex javas ,it is by the shape of the beak and the eye ring and not by thier twig and berries

ken

http://www.sjdjavas.co.uk/sexing.htm

[Boothcreek]

Those little nubs on their back at the base of the tail are oil gland that the birds use to clean their feathers with. Their rub their head and beak on this nub and then spread the oil over their feathers.

[Geordie]

Ahh, I learn something new everyday. I had no idea about the oil glands, that really does explain a lot.

Cheers guys.
Geordie

[funni_person]

well to sex your javas sometimes the male in breeding condition has an enlarged lower mandible or something I don't own java's so uh yeah