Agapornis Red Factor Mutations

The Red Factor Fischer is a lovebird phenotype with red accents on most of its feathers that has been attracting attention lately. This color is considered rare among existing lovebird color variations. The mutation was initially always associated with defects or a disease similar to what occurs in the Red Suffusion phenotype.

The phenotype displaying this red color is now known as Red Factor Fischer's. The name is derived from the Fischer's lovebird species (Agapornis fischeri), which serves as the basis for this color mutation or was first discovered. The red factor phenotype is often published by lovebird breeders from Indonesia and the Philippines in several Facebook groups. Both countries are known to be active in the world of lovebird breeding and often produce lovebirds with unique color mutations, including this red one.

Many people talk about the “red factor,” whether it is really a genetic mutation or simply the result of phenotypic modification. Or perhaps it is indeed just a side effect of a liver disease. This debate is interesting. Some argue that the red factor is a genetic mutation, which means that changes occur at the DNA level of the bird, resulting in a more dominant red color that can be inherited.

On the other hand, there are also those who argue that the red factor is more of a modified phenotype, where factors such as diet, environment, and health issues often associated with liver disorders can affect the intensity of red feather color in birds without any profound genetic changes.

The food intake given to Red Factor canaries may greatly affect the intensity of red in their feathers, and this has indeed been proven. However, the Red Factor in these birds does not seem to be due to dietary factors, as keratin is not responsible for the appearance of red coloration in feathers.

Characteristics and variants of Agapornis Red Factor.

Despite being called red factor, pairs with this combination are not entirely red in color, unlike canaries. Red Factor pairs still have characteristics specific to the mutation they are combined with. Only combinations with the melanin mutation have an entirely red appearance.

You can see this in lutino red factor and also in combinations with pale fallow. It is important to note that the red factor only occurs in green series canaries; this phenotype will not appear in blue or parblue canaries, though it may still occur in aqua mutations with a more intense orange dominance.

Agapornis Red Factor Green

The head color of Red Factor lovebirds will be completely red, without the orange gradation that is usually seen on the neck and nape, as is commonly found in wild types. This characteristic makes the red color appear more solid and intense.

Meanwhile, the feathers on the body are still dominated by green, but with a uniform brown background. On the chest, most lovebirds with the Fischer's Red Factor phenotype are dominated by red.

However, there are some cases where a dark green color that almost resembles purple is still visible. Mainly due to the mixture of red and green colors, this color mixing phenomenon creates complex and interesting color gradations.

Agapornis Red Factor Dark Green

This phenotype is one shade darker than the previous green Red Factor lovebird. In this type, the head is completely red without any orange or yellow gradation, creating a more solid appearance.

Meanwhile, the body color is dominated by dark green, further emphasized by a dark brown background, giving a darker and more intense impression. The feathers on the chest are also entirely red, though in some cases they may appear darker and more intense, almost resembling dark red.

Agapornis Red Factor Double Dark Green / Olive

The head of the Green Red Factor Lovebird is completely red with blackish brown back feathers against a red background like flakes. The color of the chest feathers is also red and darker than the color of the head.

Agapornis Red Factor Violet Factor

This is a combination of the violet factor mutation with the red factor lovebird, the feathers appear with red accents and are filled with violet accents that are quite dominant, depending on whether it is a single violet factor or a double factor. However, violet accents must be present to be classified as red factor violet.

In multifactorial inheritance, we need to plan the crossbreeding of two parents that have the visual red factor or at least come from a red factor lineage, even if they do not visually exhibit it.

Even without a split in multifactorial inheritance, lovebirds from a red factor lineage still have a higher chance than those without any lineage at all. Many breeders have also successfully bred red factor lovebirds from non-red factor visuals.

This can increase the likelihood of obtaining red factor offspring in the first generation in the nest box. That's a little bit about red factor lovebirds, hopefully it can be a reference for the advancement of your aviary and knowledge.