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Birds--General/how to get different colours out of zebra finches

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Expert: - 12/4/2007


Question
i have 2 white and 1 grey zebra finch and 2 normal males and how do i get different colours please send back need help thanx

Answer
Hi, Tom,

I found your post in the question pool.  Evidently, whomever you sent your question to could not answer.

I don't know a lot about zebra finches...I raised them years ago.  However, I do know that phenotype (coloration) not only depends on the parents of the offspring, but also on the genetic makeup of the parents of the parents of the offspring.  Without this information, about the best you can do is breed 2 birds together to see what they produce.  If they don't produce what you want, then switch mates and breed them to see what phenotype they produce.  Genetics can be a complicated thing.  What you see visually is not always what you get in offspring unless you know their genetic makeup.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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