Curious

[Boozieshome]

I got a "bonded pair." If this is what bonding looks like, I don't want to see a pair that isn't bonded. The one that was alleged to be a male is smaller, has a smaller beak, and is meek and mild. The one that is alleged to be a female is larger, with a larger beak, and in constant motion.

She bullies the male, chases him when he tries to come on top of the cage, and generally isn't very nice to him.

Is the beak size a reliable indicator of sex? I tried looking at the eyes and can't really discern a difference in color. Given their poor diet (they were on a small pellet, peanut and pumpkin seed diet, only), and the poor condition of their feet, I think I have been misled about what the previous owner thinks he knows about the birds. I don't think he lied, I think the person who he got the birds from lied to him. I am going to get them sexed on Monday.

 

[Scott]

Overall size is a generally unreliable method of sexing cockatoos. There is variation throughout most species. Eye color is a bit more reliable; males are coal-black while females are lighter brown. You may have to hold them in bright light to distinguish.

Males are *generally* more aggressive in a breeding situation. Cockatoo nests need two openings so the female does not get trapped and potentially killed.

Surgically sexing by a certified avian vet was once the gold standard, but modern DNA testing is accurate and far safer.

 

[Holly the U2]

Having 3 too's, look at the eyes, females will be brown & males will be black.