Pigeon Talk

[WVduckchick]

Can anyone explain to me the process of sexing using the vent bones a bit better? I got a handle on each of the birds today and I used the dominant bird which acts most like a male as a reference. They all felt about the same to me but I think I must have done something wrong.

And as promised here's some pictures of each of them.
827- Possible female

826- Possible female, almost never makes any sound.

833- 99% sure this is a male, dominant bird in loft.

838- Possible male, always fighting with 833.

826 and 838 are the siblings. They were identical when I got them and both still had a fair amount of yellow fuzz on them which the other squeakers did not.

I think we determined it’s easier once they are “adults” and old enough to lay eggs, even if they haven’t laid yet. Maybe after they start mating?
But if you feel where the body comes down to a point and meets the top of the tail, you will feel the tips of the pelvic bones. A larger gap between the 2 bones is female, males have smaller gaps. I’d say the females are a finger to a thumb width apart (depending on bird size and finger size lol). Once I felt the difference in Shadow and Java, it was evident. So you may have to check a few to gage it.
I can probably get a pic of Java if this doesn’t make sense.

 

[biophiliac]

Can anyone explain to me the process of sexing using the vent bones a bit better? I got a handle on each of the birds today and I used the dominant bird which acts most like a male as a reference. They all felt about the same to me but I think I must have done something wrong.

And as promised here's some pictures of each of them.
827- Possible female

826- Possible female, almost never makes any sound.

833- 99% sure this is a male, dominant bird in loft.

838- Possible male, always fighting with 833.

826 and 838 are the siblings. They were identical when I got them and both still had a fair amount of yellow fuzz on them which the other squeakers did not.

Just by their looks I agree with your guesses on gender.

 

[Qwerty3159]

I think we determined it’s easier once they are “adults” and old enough to lay eggs, even if they haven’t laid yet. Maybe after they start mating?

No that makes a lot of sense, thanks! They're only about six months as of right now so I think its a bit early to start seeing some actual breeding behavior.

Just by their looks I agree with your guesses on gender.

I hope so! It would be quite convenient to have an even ratio.

 

[biophiliac]

No that makes a lot of sense, thanks! They're only about six months as of right now so I think its a bit early to start seeing some actual breeding behavior.

I hope so! It would be quite convenient to have an even ratio.

Mine were about six months when they started. I think you'll have some eggs this spring.

 

[CCUK]

Can anyone explain to me the process of sexing using the vent bones a bit better? I got a handle on each of the birds today and I used the dominant bird which acts most like a male as a reference. They all felt about the same to me but I think I must have done something wrong.

And as promised here's some pictures of each of them.
827- Possible female

826- Possible female, almost never makes any sound.

833- 99% sure this is a male, dominant bird in loft.

838- Possible male, always fighting with 833.

826 and 838 are the siblings. They were identical when I got them and both still had a fair amount of yellow fuzz on them which the other squeakers did not.

Beautiful birds. I agree with your judgement and that of @biophiliac regarding the gender. I have been wrong before! The method @WVduckchick described also seems to work. You can definitely feel a difference in the bones. As spring starts and they start wanting to breed you will definitely know which is which!

 

[WVduckchick]

Duff and Breezy getting cozy today.

 

[biophiliac]

Duff and Breezy getting cozy today.
View attachment 1689578 View attachment 1689579 View attachment 1689580 View attachment 1689581

Awwww!

 

[backyard pigeons]

I've seen those..... maybe someday! Beautiful birds.

Can you fly the Satinettes? What I was wondering is if you can fly them and not necessarily use them has homers but fly them at a location and bring them back to a trap?

You can loft fly any breed of pigeon. But fancy breeds like sats and others will likely get picked off by a hawk. Homers are one of the most hawk proof breeds around, but comet can be a death sentence.

 

[backyard pigeons]

Can anyone explain to me the process of sexing using the vent bones a bit better? I got a handle on each of the birds today and I used the dominant bird which acts most like a male as a reference. They all felt about the same to me but I think I must have done something wrong.

And as promised here's some pictures of each of them.
827- Possible female

826- Possible female, almost never makes any sound.

833- 99% sure this is a male, dominant bird in loft.

838- Possible male, always fighting with 833.

826 and 838 are the siblings. They were identical when I got them and both still had a fair amount of yellow fuzz on them which the other squeakers did not.

well in every hatch, 99% of the time, there's a male and female. So you prob got 826 and 838 right. I think you got them all right. Good job! And once you feel the dif once, it's quite obvious.

 

[Serin]

some pics taken today.