Ask Lafeber

Sex of parakeet

My bird had a very crinkly brown cere. But now both sides are blue and brown in the center. Is that normal or is it a young male maturing?

Hi Dixie,

It actually sounds like a female that is not currently hormonal. The cere of female parakeets will look brown and crusty when she is in breeding condition. Then it can be more smooth and a hint of blue is not uncommon. A male will never have a brown cere at any age.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda