My bastardised zebras

[framed]

I dont know if I'm the only one having this issue but I find it rather disturbing.
I originally purchased 2 pairs ofc zebras 18 months ago 1 pair normal and 1 pair black arsed.
I now have around 40 zebras of varying colours.
My normals have produced several black arsed young as well as a marked white.
Finally my original black arsed hen has produced some young with a normal cock.
Here are the young they produced.

f1.jpg

f2.jpg

gwh1.jpg

wh2.jpg

While I find all these birds attractive I am finding it impossible to predict what young my zebras will produce. I can only assume that al my zebras are split for different mutations. I am wondering if this has become the norm and if it is becoming difficult to get pure zebra finches.

Framed.

[Mickp]

would guess that it would be hard to find any form of pure zebra. most people I know who have them just let them choose their own partners in the aviary. no breeding control at all.
you could try to breed your own pure bloodlines but it may take a while to achieve

[GregH]

Looks like you guys have the same problem over there that I have here with everything. Every so-called breeder here is intent on barstardizing everything so that vey little is pure. I was tempted last week by a "proven pair" of diamond sparrow" but the hen was a yellow so I passed as painful as that was as they are hard to come by. It's not technically legal but I'm sure a few "visiting" wild zebs might fix the problem for you until they decide to DNA test everyting.

[brad359]

same with mine when i had red zebras it was like breeding mixed lollies
but there is some good zebra breeders over hear with good lines.

[Pete Sara]

iam with brad on this one . lucky dip. i had charoals who gave of a white one a while back but couldnt get it to reproduce the colour. plus it all depends on where you get them from , a pet shop is going to be lucky dip.......hey brad you get a better colour red zebbies with the splits.....pete

[brad359]

yes i found that you got some of the best coloured birds from splits or poorly coloured birds but breeding expertations where not consistant unlike most birds you did not get the best birds by breeding your best coloured to each other found poorly marked cock to well marked hen gave best results but not consistant.
gave up ate to much seed took up to much room.

[Pete Sara]

yep i call them flies the breed like them and eat everything...pete

[Mattyboy]

Captive Zebras are a pretty much a genetic mess... like budgies and, these days, sadly Gouldians.