Is Lefty a hen?

[carlsf]

I got Lefty when he was apx 8 months old. He started singing a week after I got him. Always softly and not frequently. Otherwise very melodic.

That lasted a few weeks and then he fell into a hard molt. When I cleaned his cage there was always plenty of feathers.

The molt didn't break until about 2 weeks ago when he finally started giving up some songs. It lasted 2 months plus a little.

Lately he's singing more, especially when I'm home on the weekend playing music and the occasional few minutes of canary songs. Coaxing gets results.

His song is still soft, but it is very very pretty. No abrubt stops, unless I stare at him, a lot of variety...definately no schrieks. Also, I've been playing music I know he likes a little louder so he has to compete with it.

I wonder if that will add volumn to his song.

But I also wonder if he could be a hen. There was no way the breeder could confirm he was a male, even though he tried.

Lefty is slightly baudy. (He's also a nelly) But Sometimes he takes a big loop around my sitting room and dive bombs back to his cage. It's like he likes it but he gets nervous and zooms back to his cage. Lately he's been doing a loop around my head. My desk is 4' from his area. When he's not eating, or singing, he hides a little, in a goofy way, on the side of his dish, or behind a water bowl I keep in his cage.

Does Lefty sound aggressive? Are hens aggressive?

I really think he needs another bird around. I know I'd like another bird around. There isn't a lot of traffic at my house. It would be good for him I think.

Thanks to the ear of anyone that had the time to read through this longish post. Observations are welcome.

Carl