Last year we collected DNA samples (feathers) of different colour mutations in Genus Agapornis.
As a follow up, to check if it’s the same mechanism as in lovebirds that led to the blue mutants in other parrots, we will start to collect feathers from blue mutants (blue, aqua and turquoise) of other parrots, such as the Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) and Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis). And we also need samples from the wild-type green individuals for comparison.
Also the Crested and Japanese helicopter (hagoromo) mutants of the Budgerigar would be interesting to study.
How can you help us?
We are looking for +/-50 breeders who can provide us feathers from
- green, blue, aqua and turquoise Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
- green, blue and turquoise Pacific parrotlet (Forpus coelestis)
- feathers of green, crested and Japanese helicopter (hagoromo) Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus)
We extract the DNA from feathers. Based on the DNA amount we got from the lovebird samples, tail feathers were much better than body feathers as tail feathers are bigger and have more DNA extracted. So ideal is if you can provide us 5 tailfeathers from each bird.
It is best to pack these feathers per bird in a plastic bag, state the species, colour and possibly ring number and include a photo(s) of the sampled bird.
You can send these feathers to:
Ornitho-Genetics vzw
Notelaarstraat 16A
B-9260 Serskamp
Belgium