Gouldian Feather Mutations

[finchick]

I tried to search FINCHforum for information on Gouldian feather structure mutations and was not successful. Do Gouldian breeders see or breed for any feather mutations as they do in canaries with coronets and so on? Thanks.

[Bhatta]

The following link may help you: http://www.gouldianfinches.eu/en/geneti ... -mutation/

[finchick]

Thanks for the link, Bhatta. It appears that the entire site is about color genetics and depth of pigmentation in feathers.
My question is more around the feather texture and arrangement patterns that sometimes go awry in canaries, where someone captured the coronet and now we have canaries with that little swirl in the middle of the top of their heads. Others have these extra long disorganized feathers, I think they're called Parisian ~ or something like that.
I'm observing that color mutations are the only mutations that Gouldian breeders are working with. Was just guessing that someone might be working on different feather textures and configurations that they found in their flocks.
With 268 people looking at the post and zero responses (until your contribution, Bhatta...) I was afraid that I had asked a question that wasn't to be asked... Been known to do that...

[Bhatta]

You are right. Most of the breeders work on colour mutation, including me. I am sorry, I know the fact of feather structure but not knowledgeable enough to give you some information.

[finchick]

I appreciate your willingness to share what is still a very useful site. Thanks Bhatta.

[birdclaws]

I have seen photos of someone attempting to breed crested gouldians. It's most likely they were hybridizing species to get this...

[finchick]

Got it. So it's not really a mutation they're working with. Thanks for the info, Brian. My question really was about what "frontiers" breeders are looking to these days. There's simply a finite number of color permutations and combinations, after which ADHD takes over a people start looking for other characteristics to breed for. Some will simply continue working on perfecting what we already have in the gene pool.

[nixity]

Really just think it depends on the breeders.. if you're breeding for type then you're not just focusing on one thing but a combination.

Individuals only breeding for color may or may not lose type in the process.

Individuals breeding for mutations will likely lose a little of both.