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The advantages
of breeding with double factor (DF) Spangles is that by pairing a DF Spangle x non-Spangle
you produce 100% single factor (SF) Spangles. This
will give you a good start to establishing a line of Spangles. We have generally found that the SF Spangles
produced from this pairing show better spangled markings from the back of the head, across
the mantle/saddle, and over the wings. By pairing a DF Spangle x
SF Spangle you produce all Spangles - 50% DF Spangles and 50% SF Spangles. This is one of our preferred pairings as you
should produce a good number of DF Spangles. We
have also found that the SF Spangles produced have better defined “bull's-eye “
shaped spots, especially in the opaline variety. We have tried pairing DF
Spangle x DF Spangle but found that within our stud the DF Spangles produced are of
inferior size and quality. |
From a showing aspect, a
major advantage that a DF Spangle has over a SF Spangle, is that the DF has no wing
markings or spots to be considered. But will,
however, be penalized if it shows suffusion of the underlying body colour.
We have found that some
DF Spangles have a solid body
colour during their first year, and some carry a collar of colour around the neck. As with the normal Spangle, the DF Spangle’s
plumage can change as the bird gets older, and after several moults you may see patches of
the underlying colour of the bird, which can progress to almost a full body colour which
the DF Spangle is cloaking. We have found
that the use of a normal grey or grey green helps to modify this trend.
We have also
experienced changes to good ‘normal’ looking SF Spangles in their first year,
turn into what appears to be a Spangled Pied, and later into a DF Spangle in appearance
through progressive moults.
Spangle Review
Issue No. 29 ~ Spring 2002
