Many individuals own birds in France, sometimes with the desire to have chicks. It is therefore wise to know some information about the sexing of their birds and the management of these feathered animals' reproduction.
Unlike our domestic carnivores (dog, cat, ferret) in which it is relatively easy to differentiate a male from a female because the sex organs are external and visible, knowing the sex of birds is not always easy. The external genitalia of birds are represented by cloacae, which do not allow for male/female distinction. However, as with mammals, the internal (non-visible) genital organs differ according to sex.
Image taken from https://users.skynet.be/parrot/parrots/anatomy/anatomy.htm
Sexing is essential for breeders to form pairs, but also for reproduction programs, reintroduction, for owners wishing to choose an appropriate name for their pet, and finally for veterinarians in cases of sex-related diseases.
For some species of birds, sexing is easier because some physical aspects of the bird are visually different between the male and the female: these are called dimorphic species. A clear example would be the hen and the rooster.
Differences can involve:
- Plumage (example of some parrots like the Eclectus).
- Iris color for Cockatoos.
- The size/shape/color of the beak or cere, especially for budgerigars (blue cere for males and brown for females).
- Or other physical characteristics like size, presence of particular appendages (like the developed comb of the rooster).
However, these criteria are not always reliable due to the domestication of birds which has led to physical modifications. Additionally, these sexual characteristics appear quite late. Finally, a majority of captive birds are part of monomorphic species: there is no physical difference between male and female (example of the African Grey Parrot).
The behavior can also provide clues about the bird's sex, provided one is somewhat observant: the male is the one who mounts the female; the male's song is different...
Thus, at least 2 birds are needed to observe such behavior. But this is not 100% reliable as same-sex birds may mate if there are no opposite-sex companions.
Therefore, other methods of sexing have been developed to more precisely and early determine the sex of birds.
- The chromosome technique
Birds have different sex chromosomes between males and females (like Mammals). Thus, the female carries a Z chromosome and a W chromosome, while the male carries two Z chromosomes.
To identify the chromosomes, it is necessary to culture the bird's cells, either from its blood or from its feathers. This method is hardly used today because it's complicated.
- The endoscopy technique
This technique is based on using a micro-camera that is introduced into the bird through the flank to visualize the internal genital organs. This method is quick and precise but requires general anesthesia and minor surgery, which can induce stress to the animal. Additionally, it is not always feasible on young animals.
It is therefore often performed today when it is necessary to visualize other internal organs in certain diseases.
- The DNA technique
This is currently the most common and recent method. It is based on genetic tests that highlight different genes between males and females. To perform this test, a few drops of blood must be collected from the bird, or some feathers from the tail or belly (less traumatic and simpler) or recover the eggshell of the newly hatched chick. These samples are then sent to a laboratory that performs the necessary analyses and provides an answer on the sex within a few days.
This technique can be performed at any age, even when it is a chick, and is possible for all bird species.
There are many different species of domestic birds, each with reproductive peculiarities. Overall, birds follow the same steps during reproduction.
Pair formation
Putting a male with a female is not a criterion for the successful formation of a couple. Indeed, there must be a good understanding between the partners. Some birds, such as parrots, are selective in choosing a mate, and it is often necessary to introduce them to several potential partners. When placing two opposite-sex birds together to form a pair, it's crucial to watch for signs of discord: frequent chasing of one by the other, constant cries, feather plucking, injuries. These behaviors may be normal when a new companion is introduced, but they should not persist over time. If they do, it is advisable to introduce a new partner.
Conversely, it's essential to recognize the signs of good harmony between two birds likely to form a couple: mutual grooming, sharing food, singing, male courtship and display, resting side by side...
The mating
The breeding periods depend on many factors such as day length, temperature, diet, and the presence of opposite-sex companions... The mating period generally occurs in the spring-summer.
Mating happens in several phases. There may be a courtship display allowing the male to attract the female with songs or specific behaviors.
When the female is receptive, the male mounts the female and brings his cloaca into contact with the female's cloaca to allow sperm to pass through and fertilize the egg.
Example of mating between a hen and a rooster
The nest or nest box
The vast majority of domestic exotic birds require the presence of a nest for the female to lay her eggs. The nest must be large enough to accommodate both the male and the female.
Laying
The female lays a variable number of eggs, depending on the species (generally between 2 and 8). She incubates her eggs for 10 to 30 days, depending on the species, leaving the nest very little, only to feed or relieve herself. Sometimes the male can replace the female and incubate for a while.
Hatching
Hatching occurs at the end of the incubation period, different depending on the bird species. The chick moves inside its egg and manages to crack it open to emerge. Most of the time, the mother helps the chicks out.
Raising the chicks
Unlike chicks or ducklings, aviary birds give birth to chicks that are not capable of fending for themselves. The parents must therefore feed them: it is said they provide beak-feeding. It is crucial to provide the parents with an appropriate and nutritious diet during this period for good chick growth. Then comes the weaning when the chick is capable of feeding itself.
In conclusion, sexing is often an essential step if one wishes to engage in bird breeding. New DNA-based techniques are quick, reliable, and available at a reasonable cost.
Breeding birds in captivity is not always easy. It is necessary to be well aware of the specific characteristics of the bird species one owns in order to attain the satisfaction of seeing little chicks hatch.
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