About Cordon-Bleus

[JannFann]

I'm curious to know - Will Different Species of Condon-Bleus crossbreed if I put them together in an Aviary?

[GregH]

The different species in Australia are described at http://www.avianweb.com/cordonbleufinches.html. I'm sure it's the situation in Canada is the same as Australia - they aren't importing wild birds anymore so it's not recommended to keep them together as we can't undo the damage to genetic integrity of captive populations. These species introgress that is they form fertile hybrids. If your pairs are already strongly bonded then you're a long way to eliminating the problem but careful observation and vigilance are the best markers if you can't afford another aviary to separate the different species.

[Jayburd]

the two types of cordon we have in australia, the blue cap and the red cheek, will very readily, and definitely, interbreed. PLEASE don't try it, as crossbreeding fouls the captive population, and both species need to be kept as pure as possible to survive in aussie aviculture.

[finchbreeder]

That's a resounding yes. They will. Don't take the risk. Wise of you to ask first.
LML

[JannFann]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.
Thats what I was afraid - of interbreeding. I don't want that to happen.
I'm in the process of building a second aviary and can't wait to have it finished