Green opaline parsonata paired with black masked parsonata.

Breeding Opaline and Black Masked Yellow-Collared Lovebirds (Agapornis personatus): A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Yellow-collared Lovebirds, also known as Masked Lovebirds (Agapornis personatus), come in various captivating color mutations. This guide focuses on pairing an Opaline Yellow-Collared Lovebird with a Black Masked Yellow-Collared Lovebird. We will explore the genetic outcomes, breeding process, and practical considerations to achieve the desired results.

Overview of the Parental Mutations

Opaline Yellow-Collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus):

Genotype: The Opaline mutation is a recessive trait denoted by ooo.
Phenotype: These birds have a distinct opaline pattern that results in a brighter and more vivid coloration, especially noticeable on their head and back.

Black Masked Yellow-Collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus):

Genotype: The Black Masked mutation is a dominant trait denoted by MMM.
Phenotype: These birds have a striking black mask covering their face and a yellow collar around their neck, with the rest of the body typically green.

Genetic Basics

Understanding the inheritance of these traits is crucial for predicting the outcomes of the breeding:

Dominant Traits: Only one copy of the gene is needed for the trait to be expressed.
Recessive Traits: Two copies of the gene are required for the trait to be expressed.

For the Opaline Yellow-Collared and Black Masked Yellow-Collared pairing:

Opaline Yellow-Collared (G/o) is the genotype where GGG represents the green wild-type allele and ooo represents the opaline allele.
Black Masked Yellow-Collared (M/m) is the genotype where MMM represents the black mask allele and mmm represents the normal allele.

Expected Offspring

When an Opaline Yellow-Collared (G/o) is paired with a Black Masked Yellow-Collared (M/m), the potential outcomes can be predicted based on Mendelian genetics. Here’s a breakdown:

Genotypes of Parents:

Opaline Yellow-Collared: G/oG/oG/o
Black Masked Yellow-Collared: M/mM/mM/m

Punnett Square Analysis:

	M	m
G	GM	Gm
o	oM	om

Phenotypic Outcomes:

25% Green Black Masked (GM): These birds will have the black mask and green body, not carrying the opaline gene.
25% Green Split for Black Masked (Gm): These birds will appear green and carry the gene for the black mask but will not visually show it.
25% Opaline Black Masked (oM): These birds will have the opaline and black mask traits, creating a unique and striking appearance.
25% Green Split for Opaline and Black Masked (om): These birds will appear green and carry both the opaline and black mask genes but will not visually show either mutation.

The offspring of this pairing can be quite varied, with some showing the black mask trait, some carrying the opaline gene, and others displaying a combination of both.

Breeding Process

Preparation:

Select Healthy Birds: Ensure both parents are healthy, well-fed, and of breeding age (typically 1-2 years old).
Housing: Provide a spacious cage or aviary with nesting boxes, toys, and perches.

Introduction:

Gradual Introduction: Allow the birds to get accustomed to each other. Place them in separate cages side by side initially.
Observation: Monitor their interactions for signs of compatibility, such as preening and feeding each other.

Breeding:

Nesting Material: Provide materials like shredded paper, coconut fiber, and softwood for nest building.
Nutrition: Feed a balanced diet rich in seeds, fresh fruits, vegetables, and calcium supplements to support egg production and chick growth.

Incubation and Hatching:

Incubation Period: Eggs will hatch after approximately 23-24 days.
Chick Care: Ensure the chicks are fed adequately. Parent birds typically handle feeding, but hand-feeding may be necessary in some cases.

Practical Considerations

Health Monitoring:

Regular Vet Visits: Schedule regular check-ups with an avian vet to ensure the health of the breeding pair and their offspring.
Disease Prevention: Maintain a clean environment to prevent infections and diseases.

Record Keeping:

Track Genetics: Keep detailed records of pairings, genetic traits, and offspring. This helps in planning future breeding projects and understanding inheritance patterns.

Ethical Breeding:

Avoid Inbreeding: Ensure genetic diversity by not breeding closely related birds.
Welfare: Prioritize the well-being of the birds over production. Ensure they have a comfortable, stress-free environment.

Future Breeding Projects

With the offspring from this pairing, you can explore further combinations:

Pairing Offspring with Black Masked: To produce more visual black masked birds, you can pair the split offspring with black masked birds.
Pairing Offspring with Opaline: To produce more visual opaline birds, you can pair the split offspring with opaline birds.
Pairing Offspring with Green Opaline: To enhance both traits, you can continue pairing offspring back to green opaline birds.

By selectively breeding the split offspring, you can eventually achieve a combination where the offspring exhibit both the opaline and black mask traits.

Conclusion

Breeding Opaline Yellow-Collared and Black Masked Yellow-Collared Lovebirds requires an understanding of genetics and careful planning. This pairing can result in visually appealing birds with unique patterns. By following ethical breeding practices and maintaining the health of your birds, you can enjoy the rewarding experience of raising these vibrant lovebirds.

For more detailed information, consider consulting Dirk Van den Abeele's Lovebirds Compendium, which offers extensive insights into the genetics and breeding of lovebirds.