How to tell age of shama ???

Care to advise on the above ?

Some say shama leg's "skin" roughness can determine its age. But how about those whom soak or moist its texture with moisturiser or soap ,then peeling off its rough "skin" and vola !!! you got a younger bird.

So any other way to judge the age of the bird. Me really new in shama ,hope these question is not stupid.

By the way, how long can a shama bird live ???

Thank you

Hi Simon,
U r right on the 1st para.

The other way is base on my own experience is young birds LOOK young...like aros lah.. .

The other is look at the beaks where they join the head n just below the eyes. If those lines are curve down - chances r they r from 1st molt to abt 3 years old sometimes even 4 years old.

More seaoned birds will have little or none of that line.

BTW, this is purely my observation...anyone else, pls join in to educate all on tis forum.

Thx.

Erac

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The most simple and acurrate way is to look at the birth cert.....

I have a 16 years old shama but still play and sing better than young bird, from the appearance most of my friend still thought it was a 3 or 4 years old bird......
This shama have been kept outdoor many years.....i think the bathing,out door environment play a very important part.......

WoW !!! 16 years and still going strong and good. Older then my 2 children. Kudos to you.

Longest surviving shama in Singapore is over 20 years old. :
Although not in tip top condition but still can put to shame many 'young urns' much younger than him!