https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/general/is-your-pet-bird-a-boy-or-girl
*Not sure where to start? The Bird General Education Hub offers foundational advice for bird care across a variety of species. From cage setup and enrichment to grooming, nutrition, and common health concerns, this hub covers best practices to help your feathered friend thrive.
Chewy editorial team wants pet bird parents to know that understanding your bird’s gender goes beyond picking the perfect name - it can help you better care for your feathered companion’s long term health and behavior.
While birds like parrots and cockatiels may not show obvious gender differences, a DNA test through your veterinarian can reveal if your pet is male or female.
This knowledge is especially important as birds mature, since males and females can show very different behaviors and nutritional needs - such as females requiring extra calcium during egg laying seasons and males becoming more vocal and attention seeking.
Knowing your bird’s gender also helps you recognize signs of hormonal changes or potential medical issues.
A female bird that is laying eggs will need careful monitoring to avoid calcium deficiency or egg binding, while certain behaviors in males might be mistaken for illness without that gender insight.
Understanding these patterns means you can create a safer, more enriching environment for your bird.
With a little planning and the right information, you can meet your pet bird’s needs with confidence - building a stronger, healthier bond with your feathered friend.
