Aussie Finch Forum

how does everyone feel about all the different mutations that are available now?
do you feel that they should be bred at the expense of the original of the species or on an equal basis?
are mutations more attractive than the originals?

please remember that the responses people leave here (if anyone does) is their opinion, which they are entitled to.

My answer is easy, I like both. but am hoping that original species dont disappear as mutations become more common.
some of the gouldian & zebra colours available now days look great, but I believe the original colours are just as good.

They both have a place but one should always try to maintain a certain % of their stock as pure normals, both for size and vigour. By definition, a mutation may be less vigorous than the normal form so one runs the danger of breeding inferior birds by maintaining only mutations. A mutation exists due to a modification to the normal genes, in other words, damage to the normal genes. That usually means they are not as healthy as normals. Having said that, some of the most beautiful birds are mutations, particularly in the parrot world. In the finch world, I love the yellow back Gouldians and blue Gouldians.

The only one thing i dont like is people selling splits as normals.And it does happen.Without telling the buyer they are splits.As i keep my normal gouldians true.I would not like to be sold splits as a normals.Then breed mutations from splits paired together accidently.

When people are complaining they can't find normal cordon hens anymore, but pieds are readily available then in my opinion there is a problem.

When the gouldian finch numbers in the low thousands in the wild but the captive population is now substantially riddled with mutations, that's a crime.

Some mutations are fine - common species like zebras, budgies and indian ringnecks... In my opinion, the ringnecks are some of the only mutations out there that are equally as beautiful or even better than what nature provided in the original bird.

I'm for the normal pure breed but can appreciate the time and skill in producing a new mutation.
Would like there to be 90% normals to 10% mutations in the market & I'm not keen on pied's but that just my opinion.
I agree with gomer about the splits as normals. It's getting harder to be confidant with what you buy as mutation become more popular.

I do like my birds a-la-natural but I am guilty of having Rosie Bourkes.
Rest assured that things do go full circle b4 long there will be such a shortage of natural Cordons that the price will soar for them ...good for breders with normals no good for any one wanting them.

I like normals and mutations.
IMO......Sellers should tell the buyer all they know about the birds breeding, makes life so much easier when pairing up birds.

Most finch types I prefer the original colours.
But that said if I come accross a mutation that is not established or out of my financial wherewithal I would certainly try to establish it.
My normal zebs are all split for something and when selling them I say so.
Though pied budgies are my favorite in finches I find most pieds disapointing in comparison to the originals.
Ruddies ard Javas being the exceptions.
Zebs and Javas I do prefer to play with mutations.
Agree with Deb that if people keep ignoring the originals they will become the rare and expensive birds of the near future.
The most imprtant thing as I see it is we all do our best to look after our birds and breed them to the best of our ability in order to preserve them, originals and mutations for the future.
LML

Im not in favour of mutations at all.......I do not wish to offend those that keep them but I cant for the life of me see what the attraction is...very seldom do they equal the original bird in beauty and it seems to me that propagating such birds is more about money or ego than the birds......
sorry i have a strong view on this topic.....and its made stronger every time I try and buy a bird and Im told its split for something....its getting to the point where you cant be sure of what you have.....try and buy a normal Bourke ...I regard that as a very desperate situation...as every mutation thats sitting in an aviary is taking the potential place of a normal bird...and none of the mutations would survive in the wild.
There is going to be a big push on by various organisations that want to stop or inhibit keeping birds in cages
(this has already happened in Natal, where keeping birds in cages is now illegal...and dont for one second think that wont be tried here as well......if you dont believe me go to the animal liberationist webite...they may be a small in number but they have a lot of political clout))
I can see the time when one of the best arguments to continue the hobby is the conservation argument......being able to maintain the birds in captivity for later release in the wild...as many would be aware this has already happened.... or to find out more about the birds habits or needs
It seems to me that the hobby of finch keeping could be in danger of failing long term if this practice of splits and mutations has as much attention as it does now......sooner or later there will be a dilution of original bloodlines and no or little real chance of replacing it with wild genes......I know its introducing politics into what is a wonderful hobby and introducing aspects of thinking that make it less pleasant...but I really do feel its time we have to look a bit more broadly at the hobby and its implications...before someone does it for us
Regards to all
Kevin S

The last time I looked we lived in a free country . . We are able to exercise choice . . and we are free to attempt to influence others (within legal parameters off course).

I refer to the "mutation" poll.

The anti-mutation group is made up of a minority . . Yet they attempt, with missionary zeal, to convert the remainder.

They speak with the loudest voice, using arguments devoid of fact or logic, sprinkled with emotive terminology.

And with some success . . Waverers plead: "Guilty to keeping mutations!!" . . GUILTY?!?! . . Break it down.

Mutation breeders seem a much more tolerant bunch, never seeming to offer up so much as gentle guidance to those whose minds are closed.

The birdkeeping fraternity has too many enemies from outside our ranks, to need enemies within.

LIVE and LET LIVE.


Finally a few misconceptions that need clarification:

"Mutations are weaker than normals" . . Any perceived weakness may well have been caused by inbreeding in an attempt to maximise production. Just as pure species such as Dybowskis or Green Avadavats are weak through lack of genetic diversity.
Outcrossing is an integral part of any birdbreeding program whether it be the development of a mutation or the development of a particular strain of normal bird.

"Mutations will not survive in the wild" . . Mutations may be somewhat more vulnerable in the wild, but there are many examples of repeated sightings of various native bird species mutations.
Many of the native finch mutations currently in our aviaries have been sourced (legally or illegally) from the wild as full-blown mutations: while all of the others have come to us from ancestors which were legally trapped or obtained when there were no fauna laws. They were splits which fortunately for mutation folk managed to find other splits. And of course these splits could only have come from wild mutations who survived long enough to mature and breed.

Wild Gouldian finches . . . Three head colours, a few combination head/beak colours . . which is the normal?? They can't ALL be normal

It may well be that the Good Lord was a mutation person??

And finally, a good mutation breeder can produce a perfectly NORMAL (phenotypically and genotypically) from mutations and splits, by reversing the mutation establishment process.


So all of you finchos . . choose your own path, whether you choose mutations, normals, or have two-bob eachway.

Don't feel guilty if your path is different . . and above all be tolerant.

P.S. Do record your vote on the poll . . lest the vocal minority gain undue credibility . . (how's that for tolerance)