COLOR MUTATION

[shahwin]

Question: What is a Color Mutation?
Answer:
Color Genes
In birds, the term "Color Mutation" refers to a bird whose feathers
exhibit a different color than you would normally find in the wild.

The code for feathers of a certain color is carried on a bird's genes.
Therefore, it is possible to breed birds with genetic codes for
different colors together, creating new and different color
mutations.

Breeding for color mutations has become especially popular in the bird
trade as of late, with breeders of many species striving to create the
perfect bird in an array of beautiful and sometimes unusual colors.

A few species which are known to carry the genes for a variety of
color mutations are Budgies and Parakeets, Lovebirds, Cockatiels, and
Indian Ringnecks. Breeders working with these species have been able
to produce birds in an extraordinary number of colors and shades.

While many color mutation birds are already available, the practice of
breeding for these mutations is relatively new, so new variations on
color themes are popping up in aviaries across the world every day.
Many bird species have yet to be bred for color mutations, but with
increasing knowledge about genetics, the possibilities for different
color combinations are virtually endless.


Names
Different color mutations each have different names, and some aren't
as obvious as you would think! The correct name for a yellow mutation
bird, for example, would be Lutino. Other mutations, such as darker or
lighter versions of blue, could be labled Cobalt or Violet.

For most pet bird owners, the terminology used to describe the bird
isn't nearly as important as the overall condition of the bird itself
-- but those interested in breeding will need to know the genetic
background of the birds they plan on purchasing. Most breeders are
proud of their mutations and will quickly and happily be able to tell
you exactly what type of color mutation birds comprise their breeding
stock, so it's a good idea to be prepared to ask for clarification on
mutations that you haven't heard of before. You want to know what you
are breeding!


How Color Genes Work
The easiest way to explain how color genes work is by example. For
instance, my Indian Ringneck Parakeet, Oliver, is green. This is the
nominate or normal color for Ringnecks in the wild. Oliver's father
was also a normal green, but his mother was Lutino! This means that
Oliver is what's known as a Split Lutino Ringneck. If he were to mate
with another Ringneck and have babies, it would be possible for some
of his offspring to be Lutino even though he is a normal green. The
same logic applies to all color mutations and this is what makes the
wide and seemingly endless array of new mutations possible.

As breeders continue to work with new color combinations and species,
color mutation birds are becoming more and more popular and available.
Those interested in acquiring a color mutation bird for pet or
breeding purposes should contact their local bird club or avian
veterinarian for information on the care of color mutation birds and
links to good, reliable breeders.