RT Beginner

[snowy]

Lo guys I kept owls for many years but due to circumstances had to give them up, I have now decided to start again with owls but when I went to collect an E Owl I ended up with a Redtail instead the short story is: He was an old guy who had to sell up many birds and I think a bit senile, when I got there he had already sold the owl, and instead sold me the redtail cheap he told me it was a female of about 2 years old but he had one escape which he says was a male, but im not sure that I have the female. accept for owls I am very new to bops (hawks & falcons) bit long winded I know but my ques is: how do I tell the difference between male & female Redtail? At the moment it is calling alot especially when I feed it, it will also take the food to the floor and flap its wings over it. Alot to read I know but can anyone help me please?

[Tasha55403]

Well...the only certain way (aside from having it lay eggs:lol: ) is to get it DNA tested. Like most raptor's female redtails are generally bigger, but if it's an in-between sort of bird you really can't say for sure. I call my redtail a male, but for all I know he's a small female. One of these days I may get him DNA sexed, but we'll see:)

[Osiris]

Lo guys I kept owls for many years but due to circumstances had to give them up, I have now decided to start again with owls but when I went to collect an E Owl I ended up with a Redtail instead the short story is: He was an old guy who had to sell up many birds and I think a bit senile, when I got there he had already sold the owl, and instead sold me the redtail cheap he told me it was a female of about 2 years old but he had one escape which he says was a male, but im not sure that I have the female. accept for owls I am very new to bops (hawks & falcons) bit long winded I know but my ques is: how do I tell the difference between male & female Redtail? At the moment it is calling alot especially when I feed it, it will also take the food to the floor and flap its wings over it. Alot to read I know but can anyone help me please?

Hi Snowy :D

As said, DNA test is usually the best weight to determine what sex it is.

Have you weighed the RT yet? If so, what weight is she/he?? Weight goes a long way!

As for the mantling on the ground........ could be slightly underweight. None of my birds have ever mantled on their food. Wouldnt worry about this too much anyway, she's just really protecting her food.

As for the calling, do you know more about her background?

HTH, Jamie

[MickeyDredd]

I have now decided to start again with owls but when I went to collect an E Owl I ended up with a Redtail instead

when I got there he had already sold the owl, and instead sold me the redtail cheap

sounds like a recipe for disaster, wish you the best of luck.

[Dave G]

sounds like a recipe for disaster, wish you the best of luck.
i agree with mikey if you went to buy an owl but it was sold when you got there you should of then walked away not purchased a redtail as you stated you know nothing of the birds history or hawks them selfs , hope you learn quickly as you will need it

[Osiris]

i agree with mikey if you went to buy an owl but it was sold when you got there you should of then walked away not purchased a redtail as you stated you know nothing of the birds history or hawks them selfs , hope you learn quickly as you will need it

agreed, although can we still not help and answer Snowy's concerns?

[MickeyDredd]

agreed, although can we still not help and answer Snowy's concerns?

You have already answered Snowy's question - dna test.

[Bones]

DNA to be 100% certain but does it really matter as to wether or not its male or female because if yer not going to breed it then whats the problem,also the mantling over the food and being a bit vocal when being fed could and i say couldd be a sign of an imprint thats why the guy wanted rid and for cheap price and so bullshitted you a bit if thats the case then like Mikey stated best of luck to you cause you gonna need it
PAUL