Ask Lafeber

Age

How can we identify the ages of cockatiel other than DNA?

Hi Abhidev,

The DNA tests only reveal the gender or sex of a bird. It is no indication of age. Cockatiels begin getting their adult coloration with their first adult molt, typically between 6-8 months of age. By the time they are 2 years old, they have generally taken on the full color and markings of an adult bird and have finished filling out physically and developing mentally. There are some exceptions depending on the mutation as there is no visible difference between males and females for some color mutations. As with most parrot species, once a cockatiel has developed its full adult plumage, there is absolutely no way to determine the age of the bird. A 2 year old bird will look the same as a 12 year old bird. In some very elderly birds, you will see age related issues like cataracts and poor feather and muscle condition. But some birds live to an old age with no indication of being so old. Sometimes a leg bad will have a year on it, but this is not always an indication of the hatch year. Leg bands have to be ordered in large amounts, and instead of throwing away excess leg bands at the end of the year, most breeders will continue to use old leg bands. So a young bird could have a leg band that is 5 years old.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda