2 New Galahs--Advice appreciated

[Jen144]

Hello all,

I've just recently been given two Galahs that were being rehomed (owner didn't have the time for them). I've owned (and currently do) a number of budgies and other similar sized parrots (Cockatiels, even Ringnecks) yet these are my first larger parrots.
Done a lot of research regarding Galahs, but I'd love if anyone has first-hand experience with these parrots. Later, (when it is day time here) I'll take some photos...The previous owner had no idea as to their age or gender/s, so I'd love opinions on that tomorrow. I was wondering if a DNA test is a reliable and good option to tell the gender and age of them?

Thank you all in advance, looking forward to replies. Interested in everyone's opinions/ideas, thanks!

[cml]

I was wondering if a DNA test is a reliable and good option to tell the gender and age of them?

Yes, at least for determining their sex. Their are a lot of vets and labs which offer that service, often quite cheap too!

[Jen144]

Thanks! I figured it could determine their gender but I heard it helps with an estimate of their age? (I don't know how, never heard of that before it was mentioned one a few of the sites I looked at)

[marie83]

I've never heard of being able to tell a birds age through DNA so I would be very skeptical of anyone claiming there is a way to tell the age of a parrot by any method. They are a few species that change appearence slightly when they mature but other than knowing they are a baby or adult you wouldn't be able to tell it's age. The sexing is definitely reliable though.

[terri]

Hi I have a galah [jennifer] Did you know cockatoos are one of the few species you can tell their sex by their eye color'. Dark to almost black is male and light brown or pinkish is females in Galahs. [yes I suppose there are exceptions] what color are your birds eyes? As for what I know about Galahs .Jennifer can spit out a few words If shes excited.[I hear males talk more]Shes very smart ,likes to dance and the only one of my birds that sounds like me. Shes a picky eater and throws her food. Loves one on one time also is the quietest bird in the house.[and you see all my birds] I was always told dont put them on a time out schedule that you cant keep up with.Read up on toos to be aware[ so your ahead of the game] But PLEASE dont let it scare you Galahs are not your typical 2.I wish they were I was all ready for my velcro bird

[Jen144]

Not the best pics, since they wouldn't stop moving lol. They're so gorgeous..

terri: Thanks for your reply! They both have quite dark eyes, one I can see the iris in (and it's a dark red-copper colour) and the other just looks black. I was told that the previous owner had been told by the person THEY got the birds off that they were a male and a female, but nothing definite...
So I'm thinking that the one with the iris that I can actually see is a girl. I looked up pictures of female Galah's eyes and mine are so much darker, not that obviously orange, but enough to make me doubt that he/she may be male...

The one that may be female is very friendly and curious, lets you scratch its head and eats from your hand, but bites HARD. Not aggressively, I'm not sure what her motivation is...Not to draw blood, but heck it hurts compared to the birds I'm used to! So I need to do a bit of research there and find out why she is biting. She fluffs up her crest and all her feathers, leans forward and actually seems friendly as well (not aggressive). She more nibbles, VERY strongly (enough to break this skin if you don't stop her), doesn't lunge and dart back again.
I'm thinking she may be fearful, or being territorial? She gravitates straight towards you and starts chirping when you get near, but if you touch the cage she goes right over to bite.

[Jen144]

Here's a better photo of the one I think may be a female? The two of them are definitely a bonded pair, but I know with a lot of other species you'll get two males who preen and follow eachother around, and--rarely--two females.
http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee33 ... 0071-1.jpg

[liz]

Jen - whatever they are they are beautiful. I don't know how you got them but you are blessed with two very special little kids. I hope you all have fun for many many years.

[terri]

They are beautiful!! You will see their eye color more once they mature [how old are they].About the nipping Jennifer did that too.[and it hurts].Where I bought her she was there for a year because of her high pricetag.I think she was poked at alot There was a big interest in her .Not alot of them around here.When I brought her home I would describe her as being pretty bratty.When I held her and she nipped I would say gentle and pet her softly.If she continued I would put her back[did not know about Micheals training blog then] Once she bonded with me she stopped doing that.Jennifer knows what the word gentle is.My husband went through the same thing as me .Once she trusted him no more nipping.It might take awhile. Dont you love their big pink cheeks when they puff up! Whats their names? One moe thing they need lots of toys[keep them chewing]

[Jen144]

I have no idea how old they are. Doesn't bother me particularly to their genders, I just like to know if I can.
Well, we are going shopping for some toys for the birdies tomorrow, so they'll definitely get some then! At the moment they are quite pleased with the branches I put in there, been happily tearing them apart. I haven't named them yet...I'm thinking of calling the female 'Vega', and of course my family suggested calling the other 'Darth' because of that...