retrogressive-orbit asked: Is Boris a female or male bird? I know it's a male name, but I have a female rabbit called Brian haha. The reason I ask, is the nest building Boris is doing. Or do male quakers build nests? Merlin tries to get under my doona and gets really clucky. It's so weird.

Hey! You know what, I’m not entirely sure if Boris is male or female; he’s never laid an unfertilized egg (he’s 7 years old), and his behavior tends to lean towards traditional male hormonal behavior - but I”ve never had him DNA-sexed to be absolutely sure. When a quaker is feeling frisky, I can tell you that I think a male usually pleasures himself with his tail pointed down, and the female with her tail in the air, but I think it’s mostly speculation that tends to line up with the actual testing. When boris is feeling lascivious, he’ll rub on pretty much anything near his happy hut!

Also, I’ve always been under the impression that all quakers contribute to the nest building, no matter the sex. I’d certainly be interested to hear someone else’s take on the subject, though!