Zebra Finches - USA

09/13/2025

Orange Breast Mutation (Recessive)

General Characteristics

The Orange Breast mutation transforms most of the typical black markings of the zebra finch—such as the tear mark, chest bar, and tail stripes—into a rich orange color. This gives the bird a distinctly warm and vibrant appearance compared to the normal grey type.

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Male Appearance

In males, the mutation produces several notable changes:
1. The chest bar appears in orange rather than black.
2. A transverse orange band is visible across the tail.
3. The feathers under the wing display orange coloring.
4. The typical black tear mark changes into orange.

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Female Appearance

In females, the mutation expresses differently:
1. The cheek sometimes shows a faint orange tint.
2. Small white spots may appear in the flank stripes.
3. The tear mark is absent.
4. The tail squares show orange markings instead of black.

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Notes on Identification
• Newly fledged Orange Breast chicks resemble normal grey chicks but lack the tear mark.
• As they mature, the orange cheek, chest bar, and flank markings gradually become visible.
• Adult females look similar to normal grey hens but without the tear mark.

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Breeding Considerations
• It is not recommended to combine Orange Breast with mutations that dilute orange (such as Dominant Silver or Lightback), unless paler shades are desired.
• Crossing with Isabel produces attractive white-orange zebra finches.
• When combined with Black Cheek, the orange coloration dominates, producing strong orange tones.
• Mixing with Black Face gives striking results: the black belly area transforms into orange, although the throat will remain striped. To make the entire throat orange, it must be combined with Black Breast.
• A three-way combination (Black Face + Black Breast + Orange Breast) produces a bird without a standardized name, but it is sometimes referred to as:
• Black Face Orange Breast Black Breast
• Black Face Orange Breast Fawn
• Ultimate (Full Orange)
• Triple Orange — a term used in reference to its strong orange expression across three mutations, similar in concept to the “Triple Black.”

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Important Observations
• Females do not need to show an orange cheek to carry the Orange Breast mutation.
• The absence of a tear mark in females does not automatically indicate Orange Breast, as it also appears in other mutations such as Black Breast. Therefore, tail pattern analysis is important for confirmation.

08/24/2025

Charcoal is a recessive mutation. To produce charcoal chicks:
• Pair 1: Charcoal × Charcoal → 100% Charcoal chicks
• Pair 2: Charcoal × Split Charcoal → 50% Charcoal, 50% Split
• Pair 3: Split Charcoal × Split Charcoal → 25% Charcoal, 50% Split, 25% Normal

If you only have one charcoal, the quickest way is to pair it with a normal bird and then use the splits from the first generation to produce charcoals in the second generation.

07/31/2025

Show-Quality Zebra Finch Anatomy Guide
1. Wide Eye & Clear
2. Head Proportionate to Body Shape
3. Clear and Defined Tear Line (Tear Mark)
4. Small Beak Proportionate to Head Size
5. Straight and Clear Back Line
6. Wing Length Doesn’t Exceed the Start of the Tail
7. Short Tail Proportionate to General Body Shape
8. Bold and Pronounced Cheek Patch
9. Wide Chest with Prominent and Clear Zebra Stripes
10. Circular and Well-Defined Flank Spots
11. Strong and Well-Positioned Legs

Does your bird come close to the ideal show standard?

If YES.

📸 Post a photo of your zebra finch in the comments if it matches any of these traits!
Let’s celebrate quality — and maybe even find the next champion! 🏆🕊️

07/16/2025

Charcoal Splits

07/15/2025

Next generation split charcoal with mom. Evaluating the line for future matings. (One Month)

05/30/2025

NG / Charcoal

05/28/2025

🚚📦 Shipping Day!
Five boxes of beautiful zebra finches are on their way to their new homes this morning! 🐦💌
Packed with care, plenty of ventilation, and all tracking info ready to go.
Wishing safe travels to each little flyer – thank you to all the new owners for your trust! 🙏💚

05/25/2025

What mutation are you currently working with? We’d love to hear!

05/23/2025

White Lightback - Male (Possible Split Pied)

Visual Overview:
• Base Mutation: White.
• Markings: Noticeable grey/black shading on the back and shoulders suggests a Lightback gene is present.
• The lack of symmetrical patterning or blotches rules out full Pied, but slight markings could mean split for Pied.

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Mutation Traits Observed:
• White Body: Clean and dominant across the chest and underparts.
• Light Grey on Back: Classic for Lightback expression or split gene visibility in a white base.
• Beak Color: Rich red — a sign of good health.
• Eyes: Clear and dark, normal for white finches (no sign of albino).

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Condition & Quality:
• Feather Condition: Smooth, clean, and well-kept.
• Body Structure: Rounded chest and sturdy stance.
• No signs of stress or feather plucking.

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Breeding Potential:
• This bird is genetically valuable for pairing with:
• Lightbacks (to reinforce the trait),
• White or Pieds (to uncover hidden combinations),
• Normal Greys or Fawns (to test what’s carried underneath the white base).

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Verdict:

A visually clean and healthy white zebra finch with subtle lightback markings. This bird adds both aesthetic appeal and genetic value to a mutation-focused breeding program.

Paulo Neto Thank you for the supper nice bird.

05/22/2025

05/22/2025

Thank you Paulo Neto

05/22/2025

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Paulo Neto for sending me such high-quality imported zebra finches. The birds arrived in excellent condition, showing the true hallmark of top-tier breeding and care. Their quality and structure are outstanding and will no doubt play a key role in improving the hobby and strengthening the next generation of breeding. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication behind your work, Paul — your birds are a valuable addition to any serious breeder’s program.