Sex determination parrots

[entrancedbymyGCC]

Yes a small incision is made, if you Google the term the result labeled "aavian Surgery" gives a pretty good description. I can only imagine it is less expensive if you are doing the procedure yourself, not paying vet fees.

[Ark]

I guess it surprises me anyone would still use surgical sexing now that we can do DNA testing. Is this really the case?

I have an easier time understanding why someone would be more likely to use SS if they aim to breed their birds, where it is not only important to know the sex, but it may also be important for some breeders to know if the "plumbing" of a particular bird looks to be healthy before pairing the bird. But I know what you mean about pet owners using this method, I would never use it myself.

[Kim S]

It was not my intention to gve the illusion that the pelvic method is 100% accurate. It's not.
But I breed cockatiels, and you won't be able to tell the sexe without a test untill the bird is about 6 months.
My birds cost up from 35,- euros (about 28 dollar). A dna test in Holland costs 25,- euros (about 20 dollar). You can understand not many owners will like to do dna testing, but most would like to have an idea whether it might be a boy or a girl. Perfecting this method (for as far perfecting is possible) would be an extra service for my customers.

Its not perfect, but neither is guessing the sexe of a Senegal by how far down the green triangle dips. And thats something we all love to do

As far as the surgical sexing goes. I thought they shoved a camera type thingy up their cloaca. No cutting.

[bmsweb]

I did a search for DNA vs Surgical Sexing and came up with this site http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?specie=Birds&story_no=363

According to this, surgical sexing is cheaper. Its also worth noting its an Australian website.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

As far as I know ( and both the article I turned up as well as the one bmsweb did agree) the scope is placed through a small incision, not through the cloaca. Since vets here charge $200ish for and office visit, exam and droppings culture, I have a hard time imagining a reason why the DNA test should be priced higher than a surgical procedure but I can't arge with $$$$. At any rate for my own pet I'd rather not know than go to that extreme so I'm glad DNA testing is available.

[bmsweb]

At any rate for my own pet I'd rather not know than go to that extreme so I'm glad DNA testing is available.

With you 100% on that! Actually I don't think a Vet would even look at one of my birds for $16.90 . . so I too can't see how it could be cheaper. I have a feeling its something that works out cost effective if you're a big breeder and you hire out the Vet for a day or something.

I can't wait to get our Chicks DNA tested . . its going to be exciting just to find out what sex they are.

[antocastanheira]

(...) I have a hard time imagining a reason why the DNA test should be priced higher than a surgical procedure but I can't arge with $$$$. At any rate for my own pet I'd rather not know than go to that extreme so I'm glad DNA testing is available.

Do you think DNA test is expensive? In the lab that i post here they charge 5€ (6.20$) for each test. And is available to all people, not only to breeders.

[Kim S]

I can't wait to get our Chicks DNA tested . . its going to be exciting just to find out what sex they are.

Maybe you could try by feeling first. Then you can check those results by the dna test. A good way to find out wether this way is any good and you wont be biased by knowing what sex they are forehand.

[bmsweb]

Maybe you could try by feeling first. Then you can check those results by the dna test.

Kim, I will try that for sure I've been documenting every thing so far and i mean everything! I have a webcam on them 24/7 so I know 90% of what they get up to and when. She's laid her 4th egg today (possibly 1 more egg to go). So we are still a while away from DNA testing but I will be sure to let you know how it goes.

Mind you from what I've heard about Conures, its still supposed to be almost impossible to tell.

[Kim S]

Lol, I'm sorry. I wasn't aware that they werent even born yet.
I'll try to pay more attention.