Ask Lafeber

DNA Test for my Cockatiel

I don’t know the age of my cockatiel. But I am sure it is less than 6 months. Is there a specific age my cockatiel has to reach before I get the DNA test to determine the gender?

Hi Priya,

It’s best to ask the company that is doing the DNA test. There are different tests out there and each company has their own protocol. Many cockatiels can be visually sexed after their first adult molt – between 6-12 months old. But with some mutations, a DNA test is the only way to determine gender. If this is for breeding purposes, you should not pair cockatiels for breeding until they are 2 years old.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda