If one were to try to increase the size of a budgie mutation, say a recessive pied but only has a pet type specimen on hand, would it be better to cross a pet type cock with a show type hen or vice versa. I'm thinking the pet type should be a cock as mating might be easier with the smaller bird on top. Cheers.

I am not sure there is a definitive answer here. It comes down to what you have I suppose.

i have done both ways but found the cock being smaller helps as hen needs to feed larger chicks before father takes over and mum will help when they still hungry

either way does work though

I had a cock three times the size of the hen once, in my days of other kinds of breeding and they managed a few clutches no probs at all

If you intend to bred,for show birds,only breed with show birds.

Its hard enough to breed good birds,without starting behind the 8ball

with pet type birds.