by Pauline James

To get the most out of breeding cockatiels it is essential that a breeder can recognise the different mutations and has a fundamental understanding of genetics.  Here, in one comprehensive article, I describe each mutation, set out the rules of inheritance, and try to answer all the questions I’ve ever been asked on the subject.

Many a breeder, just starting out in the hobby, has fallen into the trap of thinking, if two beautifully-coloured birds, such as a pied male and a lutino female are paired together their progeny will be just as striking, or a combination of the two.  But, it doesn’t work like that, and the breeder is left disappointed and mystified when he breeds a whole nest of normal greys.  Cockatiel pairings need to be planned, and not put together indiscriminately, if you are to have control over the progeny produced.  But, that is part of the fun!

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