| 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 2006 Linda S. Rubin
| Multiple Bird Households by Linda S. Rubin |
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| MPROVING WHITEFACE BLOODLINES Copyright © 2003 LINDA S. RUBIN CF Genetics Consultant/Panel Judge www.CockatielsPlusParrots.com Selected Q&A's "From My Mailbox" QUESTION I read an article that says you should not breed Whiteface to Whiteface as it may bring all the faults back that were present when Whiteface were first established. It says you should only breed a Whiteface to a Normal Grey split to Whiteface. What is your opinion on this? Suzy ANSWER Hi Suzy, The original group of Whiteface birds first imported by Dale Thompson into the US out of Europe in 1980 were smaller sized birds than those seen at shows today. This is not unusual as many recessive color mutations when first produced are usually on the small side. It may take several generations to build size, stamina and strength into new, autosomal recessive mutations. Initially, breeders pair smaller recessive mutations to either: 1. Large homozygous (pure) Normal stock if available, (e.g. Normal Grey); 2. Large heterozygous Normal stock split to other mutations (e.g., Normal Grey/Pearl); or 3. Large sex-linked stock, (e.g., Cinnamon), etc. all of which have been LINEBRED for generations. Such linebred birds must carry size and excel in other desirable qualities such as fertility, excellent parenting skills, and outer visible traits including superior conformation, body shape and proportions, proper wing carriage, etc. As a result of using this technique, aviculturists are able to infuse hybrid vigor for peak vitality and robust health into the resulting offspring. The “secret” in upgrading stock is to use linebred birds that have been carefully bred for GENERATIONS and which have been bred directly from pedigreed stock. In other words, one would not use just any bird or an outcross without a worthy pedigree or an outstanding assessment given by a seasoned breeder, exhibitor, or judge. Some of the best pairings among recessives are breeding "split to split," where a smaller percentage of better quality visual young of the recessive mutation are produced. This route does takes longer, but is well worth it. If less than quality stock is used, either progress will never be made, or progress will only be made in painfully slow steps and only with a lot of random “luck.” Today, however, there are plenty of Whiteface lines that are bred for size. In contrast, unfortunately, there are certainly plenty of Whiteface stock that still lack size and are being sold in the pet trade. Therefore, my best advice to you is to purchase the best (and largest) Whiteface mutation you can afford and work it into your breeding program. Large Whiteface mutations can be found, often in combination with other color mutations e.g. Whiteface Pearl, Whiteface Cinnamon, etc. If you purchase a cock and mate the cock to two different hens, you can keep the lines separate until, in a few generations, you combine the lines together. Or, if you choose, you can breed third generation offspring back to their elders. This subject, however, is another topic in itself. For now, buy a visual Whiteface that exhibits size. If size is not present, you will have to begin the work yourself to build size into future generations by pairing the Whiteface, or split Whiteface to a mate that excels in size. If a trait such as size is not present, it is usually (with few exceptions), lacking in the genotype. If you can only afford to purchase a split, be certain to inspect the parents and other relatives to ascertain that the parents, and any other close relatives, are all quality birds with the traits that you seek. |
| IMPROVING WHITEFACE BLOODLINES Copyright © 2003Linda S. Rubin All Rights Reserved |
| c.2007 Nancy Johnson-Mello |
Copyright 2006 Linda S. Rubin