I've said before on this forum that places like 'Strombergs' wouldn't be allowed to advertise such birds commercially without being able to prove the DNA/Heritage of the said birds (Trades description Act) in the UK.
I have issues with 2 of there birds they have advertised though their descriptions are very vague -
Rosetta Special hybrid variety for prolific egg laying. Cinnamon colored with white lacing and white chest. Quiet temperament. Adult wt. 6-8 oz
What are they claiming these double bard range birds to be hybridised with???
Bob-Bird A new cross between a Bobwhite species and Coturnix species. Developed for the Dog training /hunting market. In our breeders' field trials, bird displayed an unpredictable flight pattern and returned to the retrieval cage. Environmentally friendly as the birds do not covey up and reproduce in the wild per our breeders' experience. Coloration of chicks will be variable. Adult wt. 12-14 oz.
This is the 3rd season they have advertised these birds but refuse to reply to email asking basic questions & request for pictures ... which they should be able to provide by now!!
Anyway There is NO Doubt in my mind that these birds do not Exist, there would be some sort of proper documentation by now.
Try and get a hold of this book - Handbook of Avian Hybrids of the World By Eugene M. McCarthy by reading this I'm sure it will come to agree with my thinking
according to this book there has been unsubstantiated claims of Colinus virginianus x Perdix perdix - Bobwhite x Grey Partridge & Coturnix japconia x Perdix perdix - japanese quail x Grey Partridge using AI, but no documented cases of Any New & Old world quail hybrids.
Known & proven Bobwhite hybrids -
Colinus virginianus x Callipepla californica - Bobwhite x Valley Quail
Colinus virginianus x Callipepla douglasii - Bobwite x Elagant Quail
Colinus virginianus x Callipepla gambelii - Bobwhite x Gambel's Quail
Colinus virginianus x Callipepla squamata - Bobwhite x Scaled Quail
My project for the next few seasons is to prove or disprove my theory. I have chukar, grey partridge (huns) & Red legged partridge eggs on order which will be grown on this year to be used in breeding experiments with bob's & Coturnix next year. I'm planning on setting up 4 experiments for each type of hybrid (male A x Female B, Female A x Male B left to do the job naturally then the same again but with my attempt of AI .. ie. me rubbing there bits together
) I'll be recording the progress over on my site, but I'll try to remember to post here too....
Suz