| CINNAMON PEARL Copyright © 2004-2007 Linda S. Rubin All Rights Reserved |
| ORIGINAL BOOK REVIEW by Dr. Rainer R. Erhardt "Well, there is help on the horizon and anyone seriously interested in color genetics should take a look at Linda Rubin's book: COCKATIEL GENETICS MADE EASY! Though this book is primarily directed to breeders of cockatiel mutations, there is enough information in this little volume to teach anyone the secrets of dealing with recessive, sex-linked, and dominant mutations..." ACBM, Vol. 65, No.12 CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW! 112 pages, 15 chapters, glossary & more! |
Copyright 2007 Linda S. Rubin
| Multiple Bird Households by Linda S. Rubin |
| Series by Linda S. Rubin |
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| Q. My 15-week-old cockatiel is a Pearl mutation and so far I think she's female. If she is not female will she lose her pearl lacings and then what will “she,” rather “he,” be considered ... a Normal Grey? If this does happen, when can I expect it to happen? – Lori A. Hi Lori, According to the pictures you posted it appears you have a Cinnamon Pearl, rather than simply a Pearl, because the color is closer to Cinnamon than to Normal Grey. Although the majority of adult Pearl males do eventually lose their pearl lacings, there are some breeders who are working to selectively breed Pearl males that retain some lacings. This is rather a difficult task to undertake unless most breeders cooperate when contributing to the gene pool at large. However, there are some males that retain their lacings, or partial lacings, for a number of years and possibly throughout their lifetime. I have found this to be congruent within my own aviary. In accordance with many show standards, judges will reward adult Pearl males that retain clear pearl lacings. The goal is to encourage more breeders to selectively breed males that retain their pearl lacings and pass this inherent genetic ability onto their offspring. Upon full adulthood, or by the second or third adult annual molt, many Pearl males will lose their pearl lacings and become indistinguishable from Normal Grey males. Yet, to my eye, many of these Normal Pearl males take on a very deep, dark, rich grey “charcoal” color, which can sometimes be darker than many Normal Greys. Of course, because you have a Cinnamon Pearl - should it be male – after its adult molt it will appear indistinguishable from adult Cinnamon males. If your Cinnamon Pearl male should also carry any clearly defined pearl lacings, it would be more desirable. It is unfortunate that a number of Cinnamon males have a lessening of melanin (Cinnamon) pigment on their backs, creating a “marbling” effect, which is actually a show fault. This “marbling effect” or show fault of Normal Cinnamons should not be confused with adult Cinnamon-Pearl males that retain some true pearl lacings beyond their juvenile molts. |
