Anyone care to explain sex linked traits?

[MiloMacaw]

I have been reading up on lovebird genetics (Man theres SO much! and so spread out!) and have a couple of questions.

Based upon all of the information I have read and personal opinions by breeders, I think that my Mango is a seagreen american cinamon slate. She has cinamon colored flights, and a greyish rump that shows little actual blue tone, its more of a soft downy grey. Her body is more olive then most american cinnamons who appear to me to be a bit of a brighter yellow/green (although not as much as a pallid) but I am told that that is the slate gene affecting.

So, if one parent (not sure which) was a cinnamon (I know that one of the parent birds had a white face and little peach and similar coloring but was a little lighter in color then Mango. I am not possitive which parent it was or the color) and one parent was a normal green who was not split for anything, would that not mean that Mango *must* be a girl, since the cinnamon trait is sex linked?

Anyone care to enlighten me? or.. recommend a book?!

[Eliza]

Have you visited the African Lovebird Society website (AfricanLovebirdSociety.com)? They have valuable information for breeders, exhibitors and pet owners.

One of my favorite books on the various species of lovebirds and their mutations is
Lovebirds: Owners Manual and Reference Guide by Dirk Van den Abeele - Lovebird books and lovebird DVDs from Avian Publications.. The photos are outstanding and Van den Abeele goes into great detail explaining the science behind the various mutations.

The Colored Atlas of Lovebirds by Dr. Alessandro D'Angieri - Lovebird books and lovebird DVDs from Avian Publications. is another book that breeders recommend. I found the pictures (and some of the birds in them) to be of poor quality. I believe that Dr. D’Angieri recently published a revised edition, though.

There is no shortage of lovebirds so do take this into consideration when breeding. I personally would not recommend breeding birds that were taken in via adoption, rescue or rehome or if purchased from a pet store. There is no way of knowing the genetic background of a bird without knowing its history first-hand. You don't want to worry about passing on undesirable traits or defects.

If you do want to pursue breeding lovebirds, try to find a reputable breeder in your area to mentor you.

Best of luck!

-e-

[MiloMacaw]

I'm not actually interested in Breeding Mango, I'm just trying to learn more about her. And yes, the african lovebird society site has been frequently visited by me for many a day now! thank you for the recommended books; I'll look into them!