Cage and aviary
mutations occasionally occur by
chance and usually provide the
owner with the opportunity for
financial gain. This type of mutation
is rarely successful in the wild
but in captivity it can be well-cared
for and may be bred back to its
parents to establish a new cagebird
variety. There are now numerous
mutations existing amongst a wide
variety of species and whereas
they may prove an interesting
challenge to their keepers they
may be setting up a dangerous
genetic weakness for future generations.
This is a particular
problem in the case of any species
that may be becoming threatened
or endangered such as the Java
Sparrow (Padda orizovora) in the
wild. Java Sparrows of the normal
wild form are now rare in both
the wild and captivity but in
captivity they can be found in
many different colours of plumage.
Urgent action is necessary amongst
responsible birdkeepers to maintain
separate purely-wild types of
all species they care for to ensure
that there is always a good bloodline
available for future conservation
breeding programmes.
