Laughing Turtle Doves

[Tintola]

[quote="Jayburd"]Thanks tint...
I would like a pair though.
Unfortunately DNA sexing costs so much... Apart from surgical what other ways are there? Ignoring stone on a string of course ;)

At maturity the cock's black spots on neck are more pronounced, he is brighter in overall colour, the feet are purple/pink in cocks and lighter dull red in hens and juveniles. Bill is paler in hens. This is from Danny Brown's book Pigeons, Doves and Quail. by ABK.

[Jayburd]

Thanks there is hope yet.

Yes I saw that's greatly reduced in price on the ABK website-going to buy one tomorrow, so you guys leave one for me!!!

[Jayburd]

Just read an article that swears by iris colour, males being dark and hens being pale grey/green/brown... Has anyone ever tried this? This coupled with the other methods perhaps might give me a good shot at getting it right.

[Tintola]

As adults males have dark brown iris, females light brown. From Pigeons and Doves of Australia by H.J.Frith.

[Jayburd]

Great! Thanks

[spanna]

I have a pair that spend as much time on the aviaries as my as I spend in them. They know just when the scraps are going out too. They're funny characters, if nothing else J, at least you have some amusing little birds now, pair or not! Fingers crossed for you though.

[finchbreeder]

There are times when it is hard not to trip over them sunning themselves on my front path. Thick as two bricks. The dog has no trouble catching them, because unlike most birds they just sit there when she runs at them. The guy has his tail spread bowing to the lady and cooing his head off almost constantly. Could just grab a bag full and send them over to you but authorities might get upset. They were originally released in WA at the Zoo by a curator (back in the '20s I believe) he thought they would be a nice addition to the grounds. But gave no thought to the fact that many years later they would have spread out over 500kms.
LML

[Jayburd]

I have a pair that spend as much time on the aviaries as my as I spend in them. They know just when the scraps are going out too. They're funny characters, if nothing else J, at least you have some amusing little birds now, pair or not! Fingers crossed for you though.

Thanks Spanna, yes they're very amusing birds... finally heard them laughing this morning!
very interesting FB.... yes please do! it's probably legal to trap them seing their feral...
writing this with one hand as Phelia is on the other

[desertbirds]

I have a pair that spend as much time on the aviaries as my as I spend in them. They know just when the scraps are going out too. They're funny characters, if nothing else J, at least you have some amusing little birds now, pair or not! Fingers crossed for you though.

Thanks Spanna, yes they're very amusing birds... finally heard them laughing this morning!
very interesting FB.... yes please do! it's probably legal to trap them seing their feral...
writing this with one hand as Phelia is on the other

They dont taste too bad either, kind of gamey but nice with seeded mustard sauce.

[Jayburd]