question about red factors

[SilverWings]

I want to get a red factor sun, eventually. But in the mean time, I've just been browsing breeders online to see who has what available. I've noticed that many breeders sell red factor sun conures but pictures just show their red factors as sun conures that are very orange. I've had people tell me they are red factors, but if I get a red factor id rather get one that's tomato red rather then tangerine. Do you think those are legitimately red factors? When I google search red factor suns, I get images of really nice dark red birds. Are these kind of tomato red factors hard to get?

 

[DannyA93]

Yes alot of breeders have darkish suns and the "claim" to be red factors but put them next to a real red factor and they look like normal suns! its hard to find REAL red factors but they're out there!! you just have to look REALLY hard! i think i found one breeder out of months of research i don't even remember where they are good luck! they are really stunning birds

 

[robopetz]

I may be wrong im just taking a guess here but.... Are they like reg sun conures where when they are young that theres mostly green and then when they are older they will turn more yellow and orange? Again, thats just a guess hahah but im sure some one who knows will come along. They are beauties though!

 

[DannyA93]

Yes they're green when young like normals but darker and when they mature they molt the green and grow back an mostly an amazing red instead yellow

 

[MonicaMc]

The red factor gene isn't really a mutation so much as it is a trait. It is a dominant cumulative fatal gene. A "double factor red" (born bronze) typically don't survive for very long. Because of this, it's recommended to never breed two red factors together.


Here's one breeder that I know of that raises them.
Flights of Fantasy Aviary


And here's a photo she has of a normal yellow sun next to a red factor (which, I think, was born from two red factor parents)
http://www.fofaviary.net/myburdz/conures/DSC_0326.JPG

And a photo of the back of a red factor
http://www.fofaviary.net/myburdz/conures/DSC_0122.JPG


There's another gene (I don't know if it's a factor or a mutation) known as tangerine. These are sun conures that are more orange than yellow. I'll be honest and say that it's not easy to find information on tangerine sun conures. Honestly, the only time I heard of this term was on the Genetics-Psittacine group in Yahoo Groups. The photos that were uploaded are no longer there so I can't show you what this breeders suns look like.