Help on Sexing my Shaftails

[bugoyking]

Hi Guys, Gurus and Experts,

I am just a newbie here as well as a beginner on finches. I just bought a pair of fawn shaftail finches about 3 weeks ago. When I purchased it I was told by the breeder that they are already pair. I was told that the male is the one with redish beaks and females have more lighter red beaks. And was told that males sings compared with the female. But when I tried to observe it this past few days the initial probed female also sings the same as the male and the beaks is getting almost the same red as the male.

Can you please help me or advise me what other information on how I can sex my shaftails...? I am also planning to buy a cremino and albino shaftail in 2 days time. Would they have the same information on how I can be assured that they are male and female? And last question, how old are they to be matured and ready to breed?

Thanks in advance...

[cindy]

Sexing by beak color isn't always exact. My male has a pale beak almost orange, my female has a darker orange/red beak.

My breeder showed me that if you look at them side by side, the bibs are slightly different, the male has a larger one. Also the black barring or marks on the sides above the legs the males are wider and longer.

The best way to sex them is the male singing, it is unmistakable, and almost non stop. He sings to everything and nothing. Mine would just be hoping around alone on the floor of the cage eating and singing. The female squawks.

This is a very nice site, lovely pictures to refer to

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

[bugoyking]

Thank you for responding on my inquiry Cindy.

I will try to observe them today after my work.

Cheers!