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How can I tell if my budgie is a boy or a girl, especially when young?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Male | unneutered

I want to know the gender of my budgies.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 10th, 2019

If they are at least 12 months of age, you can determine gender by looking at the color of the cere (nose). In males, the cere is a blue color. In females, it is tan/brown. If they are younger, you will need to wait or you can have them sexed by DNA using blood or feather samples.

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    Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 19th, 2017

    Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It appears from the image that Coco may be a male, but it is not possible to be 100% certain. Male budies typically have a more blue cere (the fleshy part just above the beak with two holes on either side) while females typically have a white or pinkish/red one. The cere can change color depending on the bird's hormonal status and age, so this is not a completely definite way to determine the bird's sex. You can purchase an at-home DNA kit to be 100% sure.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 1st, 2017

    If you talking about sexing a young budgie, they can be very challenging. Some are obvious not long after leaving the nest but often you need to give them a few weeks before it becomes clear. Here are a few things you can check: * a dull, not shiny, white ring surrounding the actual nostril is a good indication of a hen * you will often see a slight blue shade surrounding the white ring, this is not an indication of a male but a common feature of a young hen * hens ceres tend to appear flatter; a males will be rounded and bulging looking As you can see, it can be very difficult! There is another option. You can also purchase inexpensive DNA kits that also reveal the budgie's sex. https://vetdnacenter.com/dna-tests/avian-dna-testing/ https://vetdnacenter.com/diy-make-your-own-kit/avian-diy-feather-collection-kit-instructions/ Hope this helps. Best wishes!

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    Answered By Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

    Veterinarian, Board-certified avian specialist

    Published on December 12th, 2017

    Hi, Hmm a tough one. Right now it looks more like a female, but this could change as it matures. There is no way of telling age from a pic and tests don't tell you either. You could wait a few more months and if the cere does not change to bright blue, this is likely a female. Alternatively, a blood test could confirm the gender. This are available and not too expensive.

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