What exactly is tested in a colour mutation test?

At NeorniLab we use a DNA test to determine whether a bird carries a particular colour mutation (the so-called "split birds"). In doing so, we distinguish between mutation and colour or phenotype. In most cases, only one mutation is responsible for a colour. In certain cases, however, several mutations may be responsible for a colour, separately or in combination.

For example, in the Orange-winged Amazon (Amazona amazonica) and the Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) there are two blue mutations, namely blue1 and blue2. In the Alexandrine Parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) too, we find an SL ino1 mutation and an SL ino2 mutation. At NeorniLab we therefore do not test for the phenotype, i.e. the colour, but for specific mutations. This is how we can guarantee a 100% certain result.

Good to know

• The mutations we test for are always listed on our website. You can have a bird tested for a specific mutation, or by colour. In the latter case we test for all mutations.
• If you are not sure about the precise mutation, you can on the request form simply note the colour, and we will then test for all mutations that can be detected for the colour in question.
• When you have a possibly split bird tested at NeorniLab, you can always send along samples of a split or mutation bird from the same bloodline. That way you are sure it concerns the same colour mutation. In most cases this will be so.