My friend just got a new bugie (parakeet)...?

Question

she wants to name it...but doesnt no if its female or male..any one no how?

Answer 1

Determining the sex of young birds can be difficult according to sites found on the web. After the first molt, at the age of 3 months or so, the fleshy, or wax-like membrane area at the base of the beak, called the cere, will turn brownish if your bird is a female or develop a bright blue tint if your bird is a male. In young birds, the cere is purple, or quite lightly colored for both sexes.

Also if your bird seems quite excitable or aggressive, it is likely to be a female.

The best idea is to take your bird to a vet and let him tell you the sex of your bird.

http://www.letstalkbirds.com/budgie.htm

http://aqualandpetsplus.com/Bird,%20Parakeets.htm

Of course, your friend could decide on a name that is more neutral, like "Chatter" or something along that nature, at least until the bird gets older. I'm pretty sure s/he wouldn't mind a name change once it's gender was more apparent. Parakeets are quite understanding when it comes to those things.