gouldian genetics

[TomDeGraaff]

With inbreeding, the genes that may pop up include the nasty things such as deformities, weaknesses and other deleterious factors, not always the colour genes we are after!
Crossing to normals then mating the co,oured birds to sp,its helps to keep the birds' strengths and size up to scratch.

[meepmeeps]

genetics is an interesting topic, i know next to nothing but im keen to learn. im wondering how far this genetics would go as ive kept a male goldfinch housed with female gouldians all over the winter and he is last years baby so im wondering if they would cross lol could be interesting if they do, the colours would be very interesting but im not that lucky

[TomDeGraaff]

Goldies and Gouldians are not closely related so they are unlikely to cross. There are some very involved threads about the general dislike of hybrids in our finch stocks.

[meepmeeps]

i dont mind having a hybrid as long as it doesnt ever breed. some are quite nice to have as pets but i do believe hybrids should never be alowd to breed as this can dirty the gene pool of pure species.