Gouldians moulting

[Diane]

Hi
I have eight gouldian babies going through their first moult. Only one or two coloured head feathers at the moment. I have been noticing a difference in their baby feathers now. After fledging they all looked the same but not so much now. On some of them there is a definite line on the chest and on others this "line" is softer, less defined. This got me thinking maybe the clearer line ones maybe males and the less defined ones females.

I have noted my predictions on my records so I will be able to look back and see if this was right.

Am I on the right track? Or did my eyesight get off at the last station!

Diane

[gomer]

I would say you are on the right track.The cocks feathers are easier to pick as they moult out.If you want to know sooner sex of the birds, pluck a few chest feathers from the breast, to speed up the moult of the plucked feathers.

[Diane]

Ohhhh I couldnt do that!

It would be a toss up who would be the more stressed me or the birds!
Im glad I seem to be picking some things up just by observation anyway

Ill stick with my records and wait.....lol


Diane

[gomer]

only do it if needed.I pulled flight feathers from 12 birds last week for dna purpose.