FINCHforum

Hi, I’ve reached a point in which almost every of my society finches are related in some way... I know that breeding siblings is not recommended, but what about somewhat more distant relatives, such as aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins? Any thoughts?

My first thought is to question why you would want to inbreed them.

Are your birds some particularly rare mutation that you are trying to establish? Even there, one has to systematically outcross to normals to maintain vigor and health.

Societies are fairly common so you should be able to find unrelated stock. Either by buying them or trading blood lines with another breeder in the Montreal area.

Inbred birds for any reason will be prone to health problems and are likely to be weaker birds.

Inbreeding can be done, but it has to be carefully organized with good records kept. One generation that is not closely related is OK, but then you need to outcross. Without being careful, inbreeding can result in health problems. It is usually done with a more rare species or mutation, as others have mentioned, not with a more readily-available species. Swapping bloodlines with other breeders is the best way to go.

Are you trying to say your whole flock are related in some way and your worried they are going to breed without you knowing, if so I would just take out any nests and check the food containers everyday to make sure none are laying and if they are throw them