This is a question that comes up so often. There are several ways to tell but only DNA testing is 100% accurate. You can occasionally work out the sex by understanding the genetics and how they will be passed and expressed. Some normal colored greys have subtle markings that can give you clues to the possible sex as well. I would encourage you to head over to the facebook page and post a photo or two. There are over 1500 members there with a wide range of experience who can offer their insights to your babies sex. Cheers!

Any time our birds show any sign of illness, it is best to take them to a vet. There are many websites offering symptoms and information but as individuals, we often miss important clues in the diagnosis of our birds. You can not rely on just reading about possible illnesses. Birds are masters as hiding sickness until it is too late. If you feel your bird might be sick, please have him checked by a veterinarian. This way you can be sure you are doing the best thing you can for your feathered friend.

You can occasionally predict the sex of babies based on their parent colors or you can wait until the babies are a little older and watch to see what their behavior shows. Typically (but not always) a male will be more vocal and whistle different whistle combinations. Girls usually (but not always) have a single chirp or whistle and are far more quiet. If you go to the facebook page, you can show off a photo or two of your babies and we can try to help you out further.

As bird enthusiests, breeders and hobbiests, the members of the National Cockatiel Society do not have veterinary experience to diagnose problems. Because of your birds advanced age, it would be best to have him checked by a vet. Blood feathers are not something you want to pull unless they are broken. A blood feather is actually the new feather growing in. Once it has grown in fully, the blood supply recedes and the feather shaft closes off. When you pull a healthy, unbroken blood feather, you are pulling the new feather growth and causing the bird pain. Keep the bird warm and comfortable as you are doing, and if he is under the weather, please have a vet check him out. Do not pull blood feathers that are not damaged and bleeding. Let them grow in naturally.

Your question is not an unusual one. It all depends on what you mean by unusual however AND it depends on what genes your male is carrying. Do you know what color your male’s parents were? That will give you a better idea on what to expect for possible baby colors. I would invite you to come to the National Cockatiel Society Facebook page. Post a photo of your bird and ask your question there. There are over 1500 members of ALL experience levels who can offer a wealth of knowledge to get you started. Cheers!

It is possible that the other bird is plucking him. But, without seeing your birds, it is difficult to tell. If it is just on the very top of the head, just behind the crest, it could be hereditary baldness. Further information is needed to tell what is going on. I would invite you to join the National Cockatiel Society Facebook page, you can post some photos and ask the group – they may be able to give you more insight to what is going on.