"BASIC GENETICS"

I have read a few books on genetics to try to understand the basics to breed the mutations I liked, but most describe genetics using x and y chromosones, then xx over yx = xyz (or something like that), very complicated for beginners like me.

My basic understanding of genetics is outlined below. the information should not be taken as exact, but it works for me.
First you should find out which type of gene/s your bird/s carries, Recessive, sex-linked or combination of both.

The following applies to all recessive gene mutations.

RECESSIVE; Normal colored birds which carry a mutation gene but do not show it are said to be "split".To breed "colored" mutations from normal colored birds both parent birds must carry the gene,

Let's look at Blue Gouldians (We'll call blues)as an example.

• A split bird to a normal gives all normals (some may be split, but which ones?)
• A blue bird to a normal bird will only give you all splits (ie; normal looking birds but carrying the blue gene from the blue parent.)
• A split bird to a split bird will give you blue young and normal young (some of the normals will be split, called "possible splits", but you won't know which ones they are.)
• A blue bird bred to a split bird will give you blue young and normal looking young in the same nest, but the normals will be carrying the blue gene (ie; they will be splits).
• A blue to a blue will give you all blue young.

SEX-LINKED: With this gene only normal looking cocks carry the gene (splits). You cannot get a split hen, as stated by some "uninformed" bird sellers, trying to sell you a pair of normal looking Elegants as "a pair of split cinnamons" or a pair of normal Bourkes as "a pair of split rosa's".
"Buyer Beware !"

The following applies to all sex-linked gene mutations.

This time we'll use Sea-Green Parrot Finches (sea-greens) as an example;

• A split seagreen cock to a normal hen gives you seagreen hens, normal hens, possible split cocks and normal cocks. Any seagreens in the nest will be hens.
• A normal cock to a seagreen hen gives you normal hens and split cocks.
• A split cock to a seagreen hen gives you seagreen cocks and hens, normal hens and split cocks.
• A seagreen cock to a normal hen gives you seagreen hens,normal hens and split cocks.
• A seagreen to a seagreen gives all seagreens.(cocks & hens)

All you have to remember to breed "colored mutations" is for recessive you need both birds carrying the gene and for sex-linked you only need one bird (preferably a cock to breed color first time.see first 2 on list.)