Sexing at an early age....

ElliottsMomma · Post by **ElliottsMomma** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 2:30 pm

My baby, Elliott, who is about 16 weeks old appears to be getting a ring already. I thought maybe it was just me that saw it but lately a bunch of the people at the petstore see it too. It just seems to be darker around his neck and under his beak you can see some black. Is it possible that he could be getting a ring already? And if so would that mean that he is a boy, cause I know that the female have the impression of a ring as well. I know if I really want to know the sex I need a DNA test, but I don't care that much. I will love him just as much if he is a she!!!!

Donna · Post by **Donna** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 3:06 pm

Funny how are minds can play tricks on us. 16 weeks is way to young to tell. I have a female that is now 4 years old and every now and then I see black on her neck but I know she is female. Seems like after she molts it's gone for a while. DNA is fairly inexpensive and can been done now. Avian Biotech will send you a free kit and the test only cost $20.00. To me it's worth knowing M/F before the hormonal stage kicks in, then you know what to look for and deal with them before it gets out of hand. Males and females have different hormonal behaviors and have to be dealt with differently. Just something to think about!!

Donna

ElliottsMomma · Post by **ElliottsMomma** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 7:30 pm

We are going to have a DNA test done once he comes home...right now if we had it done it would be $60 because it would be thru the petstore. I would rather wait and do it ourselves.

Post by **Lauren** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 9:06 pm

Yep, thats way too young to tell. But you never know, they can surprise us, unless you wait it out. Alternatively, you could get a DNA test done. Such an exciting thing to wait I think. Thats why I'm waiting for Yoda. But I've got my brain on another boy!