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I do not doubt that by this point some readers are beginning to bristle that this is simply an attack on mutations. It is not. Mutations are a new branch of the hobby. Those specializing in the development of new colour varieties have their own motivation and specialist expertise but they are – and should be recognized as – Mutation Breeders specializing in a domesticated species (Splendid, Gouldian, whatever). They are not foreign bird keepers any more than is a budgerigar specialist. What this is an attack on is the way in which pure normals of species after species have been lost or are at a risk in this process of domestication. Societies set up to protect and promote groups of species (parrotlike, Australian grass finches) have seen their membership balance after dramatically though only as yet with small species in the case of the Parrot Society. At this point, all is not lost. There are still species without established mutations and others where “breeding back” is realistically achievable. There are also breeders persevering with isolated pockets of pure birds. With some species, however, all is lost without new blood – think Chinese Painted Quail. It is not just a case of foreign bird


keepers reclaiming their hobby. Mutation breeders need surplus normals. Remember, a mutation is a bird with something missing in its make-up. It is the “sport” that would not have survived natural selection. Normals are required


22 BIRD SCENE


Those specializing in the development of new colour varieties have their own motivation and specialist expertise but they are – and should be recognized as – Mutation Breeders specializing in a domesticated species


to maintain/restore vigour. So what does the future hold. I for one have no plans other than to be a foreign bird breeder until I am forced to retire from the hobby. The problem is that we have dedicated breeders scattered country-wide and specializing in diverse species. The key to the problem is communication. As an example, let us concentrate on the issue of parrotlike birds, but bear in mind that the problems are the same regarding finches and various other species. I am currently working with Diamond Doves, trying to “breed back” to pure normals (potentially one of the easier species). The Parrot Society UK has a large


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