Need help on sexing this gouldian
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Need help on sexing this gouldian
I had a pair of gouldians together for about 2 months, and no movement to the nest. Neither bird went into the nest.
When I got her the head was a little mottled, like hens are. Maybe not as much as some hens.
Its breast is not as dark as the other PB, so I figured hen.
Then today, I started wondering if my hen is really a cock. From the side, the red on the beaks of both birds look similar, which got me wondering. I just do not remember what the "hens" beak looked like when I got her. But I thought it was more red than just the tip.
So Male or Female ?
When I got her the head was a little mottled, like hens are. Maybe not as much as some hens.
Its breast is not as dark as the other PB, so I figured hen.
Then today, I started wondering if my hen is really a cock. From the side, the red on the beaks of both birds look similar, which got me wondering. I just do not remember what the "hens" beak looked like when I got her. But I thought it was more red than just the tip.
So Male or Female ?
Gary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
I'ma go out on a limb and say it looks like a female, but a pic from futher away with both would help also 

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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
Female
The tail wires are short, the mask is not as full as a males, The beak will turn rosy all over when in breeding mode, otherwise just the tip is colored...though the males tip will usually be clearer and brighter.
She has some very vivid and nice coloring. Many times the feamles are not really that drab and pale compared to the males. A lot has to do with the birds genetics....
From this phots, Her beaks look like it is beginning to 'smear' with red. Coming into breeding condition

She has some very vivid and nice coloring. Many times the feamles are not really that drab and pale compared to the males. A lot has to do with the birds genetics....
From this phots, Her beaks look like it is beginning to 'smear' with red. Coming into breeding condition

Candace
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
based on the picture, add my vote for hen.... Depending on the age of the bird, I have been fooled in the past with some yellow back goulds until the second moult
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
OK
So maybe it is the male that is not interested in mating.
So maybe it is the male that is not interested in mating.

Gary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
Oh drat, should I put her back into the female community cage until her beak gets all red?
Gary
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
Are the pair getting along? Is the male courting her? I usually will leave mine paired if they are getting along. Hens get different degrees of red... I am sure you boy will start courting her when she is ready
When they are in peak breeding condition they usually start the courtship ritual immediately. But I have put some together that courted a little then just hung out together for a while before they got serious about laying a clutch. I figure they know the timing better than me and as long as they are not stressing each other out I just let them hang out.
I had 4 clutches hatch this week from pairs that I set up 8 weeks ago. Patience usually wins out

When they are in peak breeding condition they usually start the courtship ritual immediately. But I have put some together that courted a little then just hung out together for a while before they got serious about laying a clutch. I figure they know the timing better than me and as long as they are not stressing each other out I just let them hang out.
I had 4 clutches hatch this week from pairs that I set up 8 weeks ago. Patience usually wins out

Candace
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
Candace
They are getting along like buddies, and I do not have another pair ready to mate that could use the breeding cage, although I wish I did. So I will leave them together.
I have not seen any courting behavior.
As you said...patience...(as I jump around wanting them to get going)
They are getting along like buddies, and I do not have another pair ready to mate that could use the breeding cage, although I wish I did. So I will leave them together.
I have not seen any courting behavior.

As you said...patience...(as I jump around wanting them to get going)
Gary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
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Re: Need help on sexing this gouldian
ps
I have only heard this bird chirp, I have never heard it sing, or even look like it was trying to sing.
I have only heard this bird chirp, I have never heard it sing, or even look like it was trying to sing.
Gary
gouldians (GB,YB,BB), blackbelly firefinches (trying to breed), societies (foster parents).
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