If you look into the nostrils there are more signs of blue in males than in hens, even though the wattles of both sexes are at that age blue-white. Also, the ceres of males are usually more rounded and the head formation is different. When the chick is placed in the cage in the house which is to be its home, a careful watch must be kept upon it to see that it is eating properly. Parakeets will usually learn to crack the husks and feed themselves within four or five days of leaving their parents. Generally speaking women make the best teachers, no doubt because of their lighter voices, which are easier to imitate.
Some parakeets can be made into good talkers quickly, others never succeed in becoming efficient.
As I mentioned, it is generally accepted that hens cannot be taught to talk except on rare occasions. Although quite a number of hens have become talkers, nevertheless, they are not so suitable as males. Undoubtedly males are more friendly in disposition than hens, and for this reason if anyone desires to keep a few parakeets in a cage in the house as pets, in preference to one bird, I always advise keeping males and no hens. If a male and a hen are kept in a cage their desire to breed makes them restless and unsatisfactory. It is advisable also that the lessons should be given by one person, otherwise the bird will become confused.