![]() ![]() It should be noted that, for the most part, head and breast color is not determinable until molting begins unless you have a pair that can only produce a particular head or breast color (e.g., two black headed birds will produce all visually black headed offspring, and similarly, two white breasted birds will only produce white breasted offspring). Suffice it to say it's not always that easy but you will get a good idea of the adult colors simply by looking at the babies as they begin to feather. This is going to be the first step to learning how to distinguish the mutations. ![]() By doing so, I began to discover and document some unique identifying features that I realized may help others who may be interested in identifying mutations at various stages of development.Īs Gouldian chicks mature, much like other altricial birds, they begin to develop feathers (a shocking revelation, I’m sure!). From then on, it became my mission (or obsession, really) to photograph virtually every single clutch from the day the babies hatched up until they fledged. I can't say whether this is simply because most breeders don't photograph their clutches or if I was simply not looking in the right place. I found very few photos online of mutations, and even fewer that went into detail regarding the phenotypic color of the babies. With the first mutation pairing, the most puzzling question for me was, “How can I determine the mutations of the babies I have when they hatch? Is it even possible?”Īt the time, and this was approximately 2007, I had a very difficult time locating information that would help me to identify at or shortly after hatching, the phenotypes of the babies my pairs produced. I was fascinated with the genetics behind the mutations and this is what pushed me in the direction of breeding and thus expanding my collection past just two birds. Little did I know this would all change within a year! I joined NFSS and a few of the Yahoo! Forums to learn more about my purchase and when I discovered Gouldians came in multiple mutations I was hooked. At the time, I had no inclination to breed the birds. I got my first pair of Gouldian finches in 2006 – I was hooked on the vibrant colors and the silly courtship dance.
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