Does anyone know about Red Factors?

[Skittys_Daddy]

So I recently joined a few conure groups online and someone in one of the groups, who appears to be quite knowledgable about suns, has told me Skittles is a red factor. But the pet store, breeder nor vet ever mentioned it. I don't want to go based only on what one person online says, but she has pictures of reds that look a lot like Skittles.

I worry because I've always thought bird mutations don't live as long as pure breds.

Any thoughts?

 

[Falconbiscuit]

Skittles looks like a sun. I've heard that your conure's diet can effect plumage. Was the breeder you got Skittles from trustworthy? Would they have told you that Skittles was a Red factor? Skittles' chest looks very orange unlike a Red Factor.

Mutations live quite a long lifespan, I wouldn't be worried. I'm sure if you care and love Skittles, he'll live a long and happy life!

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

The breeder was reputable. I actually bought Skittles from a local pet chain that only sells birds that are bred locally. All other pets that they sell are rescues or shelter pets available for adoption. They are a VERY reputable pet store and the breeder actually gave her contact info to the store to share with anyone who purchases one of her birds, thats how I got a hold of her.

Skittles plumage has changed dramatically since I first got him. His plumage got deeper and brighter. When I first got him, his feathers were not as deep orange nor as 'shiny' as they are now. He's free flighted and fed organic pellets, and fresh fruit/veggies and pasta.

 

[Birdman666]

Not sure about the red factor with your bird. He looks more orange and yellow to me. The red factors I've seen have the entire facial feathers the same color as the normal "mask" red. Markings vary slightly from bird to bird.

It's a myth that red factors don't live as long... So I wouldn't lose sleep over it. His adult colors are just starting to come in. That's probably all this is. Like green fruit getting ripe.

http://www.birdcompanions.com/FCA The Red Factor Sun Conure Color Mutation.pdf

Here is a good side by side:

Red factor sun conure

Yours looks more like a normal sun conure than a red factor to me.

He's got brighter feathers cuz you feed and bathe him properly. That just means he's healthy and well cared for.

 

[wrench13]

Annnnnnnd BOOM. The Birdman knows ! Skittles is a Sun Conure.
A sunny son son son concure. Hugely cute too

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

@Birdman666 He's had his adult colors since I got him, actually. He was a little over a year old when I got him and he just turned six in March. However, his coloring has becoming 'shinier' and brighter which I attribute to his diet. When I look at side comparisons of him when I first got him to now (after being on Harrisons for five years) you would never know its the same bird.

Here's an example: (I know the picture on the left 'looks' brighter, but its not - its the flash from the camera. The one on the right had no flash.)

I contacted the vets office last night and heard back from them today, this is what they said:

Hi Mr. Fecteau,
I think Skittles may have more orange than some sun conures, but, he is not as dark orange/red as the true red factor conures.

When selecting for certain genetic traits,like color, it is always possible that negative traits may also be selected. Therefore, health problems may also be increased and longevity may be affected.


The two vets in that office are avian vets, they are VERY well educated on birds - I've discovered that over the years. So I think I'm gonna go with the vets advice on this. Its the same one Skittles will be seeing next month, so I may bring this up again with regard to blood tests.

Reason I panicked is because I don't know ANYTHING about red factors and Skittles is all I have left. It scares me how much I need him. All the family I'm still in contact with live out of state. I have two very good friends but thats it. People do tell me its better to have one or two 'true friends' rather than a circle of casual ones.

I think I'm suffering from empty nest syndrome. I'm not used to having just one bird. The only time I had one bird was when I got my first budgie, Sandy and that was back when I was 11.

I really want to get a pineapple green cheek, but I worry about it. Given how aggressive and territorial of me Skittles became when I had Peaches (and she was here first and had no negative reaction to him) I worry about the new conure.

 

[Birdman666]

Yeah.

Your bird is just a dark orange.

Red factors are RED... I MEAN REALLY, REALLY RED.

That means he's being fed well, and his feathers are in such great condition that they glow. So, good job!

 

[Birdman666]

reason i panicked is because i don't know anything about red factors and skittles is all i have left. It scares me how much i need him. All the family i'm still in contact with live out of state. I have two very good friends but thats it. People do tell me its better to have one or two 'true friends' rather than a circle of casual ones.

yeah, well, my big red "LIFETIME COMPANION" bird is out there somewhere... Can't relate to this statement at all... It scares me that someone else has her, and might not give her back... and might not treat her well.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

So Maggie is yours? I posted about it on Facebook.

 

[Birdman666]

So Maggie is yours? I posted about it on Facebook.

The greenwing in my profile pic. My constant companion. The bird that took it upon herself to move from the bird room to my closet when I was sick...

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Duh, I see the pic now. lol.

I remember when I got my first budgie, I was 11 y/o. He got loose one day and I was a mess for weeks. But we had a happy ending and I hope you and Maggie do as well.

I know its not the same, but I do want you to know I understand.