Go to Color Mutations and take a look at the array of color mutations for various parrot species. The variety of colors and species is overwhelming.
Why “fool with mother nature”? Because they can, I guess. There are some important things to ask a breeder before buying any color mutation unless it is a long-existing one like the Green-Cheek Conure mutations (Pineapple, Red Bellied, etc).
1. Is this bird a sex-linked or in-bred/line-bred color mutation?
2. What will the size and temperament difference be?
3. How many generations away from the original pair is this bird.
4. Are there any statistics on life span in this mutation?
5. The adult size of this bird as compared to the original specie size.
What You Should Know:
1. Color Mutations are expensive if they are genetically or sex link created.
2. The difference between Sex Linked Mutations and inbred/line-bred Linked Mutations is pretty much what it sounds like. Sex Linked birds are bred using dominant color and body trait genes of male and female unrelated birds and inbred/line-bred birds are bred using related pairs (mother/father/son/daughter) until the desired color is achieved. Needless to say, the scientific community views inbreeding and line-breeding as detrimental to the over all health and body structure of the bird.
3. It is important the color mutation you have chosen is bred a few generations away from the original pair so that you are reasonably assured of a healthy bird.
4. Not all mutations, especially inbred/line-bred mutations bring forward the long life span of the original color.
5. Ask about the size of the mutation compared to the original color specie. No matter the color and size of your bird, talk with Korey or Kim about the appropriate size and bar spacing for your birds new home. They are here to make your bird as happy and healthy as possible.
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Written by: Jan Santor