HYBRIDIZATION & CROSS BREEDING
Without getting to the issues of wild population decline, it is safe too say that many species of pheasants will cease to exist in the wild in the not to distant future. When this happens, will aviculture have preserved captive specimens that will assure survival of the species? Even some of the species that we regard as common in captivity are declining rapidly in the wild. Responsible captive breeding will be all that stands in the way of total extinction of many species of pheasants. Many will agree that the normal or wild type Golden pheasant, for example, is among the most exquisitely beautiful creatures on earth. Nevertheless, due to hybridization, inbreeding, and breeding for various mutations, one would be hard pressed to find Goldens in captivity that vaguely resemble their wild counterparts. We have an obligation to ensure the continued existence of these beautiful birds in their natural form for future generations to enjoy.

Written by: Bob Bills
Wildlife Biologist, Ohio



To those that practice hybridization please inform the potential customer as to their background so that these beautiful birds can remain in their true form for future generations. Remember you can make a differance.

Roman & Roman
Cross Breeding Chrysolophus

We have just today returned from a local swap meet and found these birds for sale. The above bird shows Amherst with a hint of red on the breast and tail. His legs were a lighter grey and his eye patch shows no grey but a pale yellow color. The below bird shows Golden with quite a bit of the Amherst characteristics.  He had the grey legs, yellow rump and breast feathers. Also has the cape of an Amherst and the crest of both. You will notice the tail remains that of a Golden, but the natural color is gone and a grey replaces black.

I found out the history of the Amherst/Golden cross. It started as a shipment of eggs, but no mention of cross breeding was ever discussed. So buyer beware and ask many questions, get references, and above all no Hybridizing.
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1