I just bought a double yellow headed amazon. Is there any way to tell if its male or female?

Question

Also could you tell me anything else about them. I have had birds before but only cockatiels

Answer 1

You can guess by feeling the width of the pelvis bone once the bird is mature. But unless you have lots of experience with this probably you won't be able to tell. And still it will only be a guess. The only way to tell for sure is to have it sexed at the vets office. They can do a blood test and tell you. The old way was to do a surgical procedure but now everybody uses blood sexing.

However, unless you are planning to breed this bird, knowing the sex will do absolutley nothing for you. There is not much difference in the behavior between the males and females. Sexing is totally optional for pet birds.

Answer 2

There is no way (feeling pelvis's and posture on perch included) to tell a DYH's sex unless you get them DNA sexed or surgically sexed. DNA sexed is easier and costs around $50 or so at the vet's.

Male and Female DYH's do in fact have some different personality traits, mostly due to their hormones. When males start to reach sexual maturity (between 5 and 8 years), they 'may' become more aggressive and snip or bite at people, not want to step up, etc. This only happens during their mating season, and other than a few months a year for a few years, they are pretty easy-going.
*Don't let this intimidate you though, I have a Male DYH and he wasn't moody or snippy at all during his "teenage years"

Also make sure there is plenty of wood for them to chew on. I have a normal rotation of toys for mine, and about 10 toys "on reserve" for when the others start to get destroyed.

Make sure the cage is big enough. Amazon's are more-so climbing birds, so height is really important, and they have to have enough room in the cage to open their wings fully.

DYH's are great talkers. Second only to an African Grey. However it still takes work on your part to teach them. If you ignore your bird and never talk to it, when it becomes older it's going to be hard to teach him/her any new words.

DYH's tend to have obesity problems and Vitamin A deficiency, so be sure to feed plenty of dark leafy greens.

Amazon's body language is very easy to read. When they're eyes pin and their tail feathers spread out, it means they're excited, so they will be more likely to have a little attitude then.

Also, I'm sure you already knew this, but DYH's life span is an average of 60-80 years!! Congrats on your new family heirloom!!

Sorry this is so long...I could go on a lot longer, but if you need any more info just let me know!

Answer 3

I had a blue front amazon, They are very very smart birds, however it is very difficult to tell, if you had two it would be easier, the male will always be sitting up straighter on the perch as to where the female tends to crouch down more, also the males love to dance back and forth ALOT, while usually singing. The dancing refers to the "mating dance". if yours tends to do this alot than its most likely male. Its a good idea to buy a book on them anyways just to have the info right at hand if needed.

Answer 4

there are two ways to tell one is surgically sexed and DNA sexed
DNA is much easier..just take your bird to your local vet and tell them that you want a DNA sex done. most vets have this option. if they do not see if your vet can give you the name of an avian vet who is more qualified. I recommend that the bird get a check up as well. you want to make sure that it is healthy. you may also want to pick up BIRD TALK magazine. this has been a very informative magazine as to care for my parrots...

Answer 5

Your bird has two heads??