Hedgehogs
Male: Penile sheath sits mid-belly, like a 'belly button' well above the anus.
Female: Genital opening sits right next to the anus, with no mid-belly bump.
Tip: Check while they're relaxed on their back in your hands.
Sugar gliders
Male: Adult males have a bald scent gland on top of the head and a pom-pom-like scrotum on the belly.
Female: A pouch on the belly, no scent patch on the head.
Rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, degus
Male: Larger gap between anus and genital opening; testicles obvious in adults.
Female: Genital opening very close to the anus; rats and mice show nipple rows.
Tip: Compare littermates side by side — the difference in distance is easiest to see.
Rabbits and guinea pigs
Male: Gentle pressure shows a round tip (rabbits) or 'i' shape (guinea pigs).
Female: A slit (rabbits) or 'Y' shape (guinea pigs).
Tip: Young kits are hard — have a vet or experienced breeder confirm before pairing.
Ferrets
Male: Opening mid-belly, like a hedgehog.
Female: Opening just below the anus.
Budgies
Male: Cere (nose skin) usually bright blue in adults.
Female: Cere tan, brown or whitish-blue, often crusty when breeding.
Tip: Some colour mutations don't follow the rule; DNA sexing is definitive.
Other parrots and finches
Male: Many species look identical.
Female: Many species look identical.
Tip: Use DNA sexing from a feather or blood sample.
Quail (Coturnix)
Male: Plain rusty chest; foam from the vent gland when pressed after 6 weeks.
Female: Speckled chest feathers; no foam.
Tip: Colour varieties without speckles need the vent check.
Raptors
Male: Usually about a third smaller (the 'tiercel').
Female: Usually larger and heavier.
Tip: Weigh and compare to species ranges; DNA test if unsure.
Livebearer fish (guppies, mollies, platies)
Male: Anal fin is a narrow rod (gonopodium); often brighter.
Female: Fan-shaped anal fin, rounder belly, often a dark gravid spot.
Handle gently and briefly. Never force a check on a stressed animal.
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