FINCHforum

Hello all,
I was able to introduce my new Shaft-Tails today to my pair of Gouldians as quarantine is all done. I was also able to get some pics.
I need to get some names for these little guys so can some help me sex them?
Here are some pics.
Shaft-tail #1


Shaft-tail #1 looking pretty cute with Boomer,my Gouldian


Shaft-Tail #2


Shaift Tail #2


And finally the two together.

No one?

I am curious to know also, I have 1 shaft tail that I want to pair him/her. if I am not mistaken only males will sing as the case with society finches but I could be wrong.

Maybe post pics of your on here and we can figure it out together.
Besides the chirps I have one that difentaly sings. I just haven't caught what one it is yet. A delightful little song though.

Alley & Zebra

I have had a pair in the past. Could never tell the difference between them, other than the bands. I now have two males....

I'll try and see if I can find some information for you.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=w ... 2qcYVEuYtA

Good luck.

Ha! I busted shaft tail #1 singing so that one must be a male.
They always chirp away when I'm in the room, but they wouldn't sing when I was near. Sneaky buggers
Now to wait to see if the other sings!
Thank you Elana!

Alley

You're welcome

Separate them into two different cages, just for a very short time. They will call to each other Male will call, long mournful tones to the song. Female will call with almost hoarse sounding voice, almost like a beeping noise. Works for me every time.

Hi,

Looking at shaft tail pics 1 and the size of the bib he is the male.

Shaft tail 2 is pretty clear that its a female.

Shaftails are difficult to sex because the hen can have big bibs as well. I rather sex them by their behavior and stance. Also the cocks bib would be a more vivid black. I would guess that the red beak one is the cock and the yellow beak the hen.

best to sex them when relaxed and not sitting low on alert since they tend puff the throat/bib out and hens can be mistaken for males.

Males tend to have a more triangle shaped, broader bib. Hens have a very rounded edged bib sort of a tear drop shape at the bottom.

Creamino hen on the left and a Gray mutation male on the right Gray mutation male
Fawn creamino male, left and creamino hen on the right

Color of the beak does not indicate the sex of the bird. Rather they are two different sub-species and while they can breed, they shouldn't...

http://www.efinch.com/species/shaft.htm

Hello all,
Thank you everyone for your helpful knowledge.
bmohan28, you are correct. I have caught the light beak shaft tail singing so it's a male. The redish beak heck finch has been laying not fertile eggs on the floor of the cage.
I'm going to try and just see if they won't breed by not giving nests or materials. They are difentaly paired though as they cuddle and preen each other.
If that doesn't work I will have to get a female shaft tail and male heck for the two of them and try to pair them up in different cages. I'm hoping however they can just be non breeding partners.
Thanks so much!