Calling All Rosy Bourke Owners - Please Look

[30 Seconds to Bob]

As some of you know, I've been trying to find a mate for my bourke parakeet and they're pretty scarce around here. Someone near me posted a young rosy for sale, but aren't sure if its a male or female. I know it's nearly impossible to visually sex the rosies, but I've read that sometimes you can tell by subtle clues.
This one is a bit pricey, but if it's "most likely" a hen, I'd be willing to give it a shot. She seems to be sitting much lower on the perch than my male does and has a pretty dark head. Please view the link and tell me what you think. http://tampabay.ebayclassifieds.com/bir ... d=31612014 Thanks. Bob

[wellingtoncdm]

Looks like a hen to me. She has quite a lot of brown on her face.

[paul-inAZ]

I have no idea. It looks like mine. They are lovely aren't they? From what I read sexing rosies visually is a 50/50 proposition.

Last summer I bought two, said to be a m/f pair but the breeder couldn't make clear why he thought so. I didn't feel I would bother with DNA testing.

Mine have now started a bit of chirpy singing and sometimes make kissy-face as if feeding one another. They are a bit over a year old. I guessed they want to breed so I put a nest box up. One of them spends a good part of the day in the box. No eggs yet.

As to price, that is pretty ordinary around here for rosies. Usually $125. I actually got a 'deal' because I know the breeder. $100 each. Normals sell for $45-75. They are also not all that common around here.

[cindy]

Usually Rose bounceshere are about $75...any Iidea on the age?

[30 Seconds to Bob]

Are there any other "behaviors" I could ask the owner about to suggest it may be a hen? For example: My male will hold onto the perch and flap his wings rapidly while chirping. Would a hen do this? He will also put together a repetitive series of whistles and chirps reminiscent of a song. (It's actually kind of pretty) Would a hen do that? And as Cincy mentioned, Rosies usually go for $60 to $90 around here. Handfeds - may be a little higher. Bob

[wellingtoncdm]

Hens do not display the way males do.

[CindyOH]

Hello Bob,
I think it is a Hen. Also,has lost a good part of her tail feathers? Ask about that. Looks like her wings are clipped also?

Cindy