Ann-Marie L. Roberts <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>>
>
>I believe it is safe to breed two spotted gerbils. What happens is if a pup
>has both the spotting genes, it is lethal and the pup is absorbed before it
>is ever born. This is why a breeding pair consisting of two spotted parents
>will have fewer pups in a litter.
>
>I'm sure some of the experts on the list can explain it better.
>
>I wouldn't worry about. It doesn't harm the parents or the pups that are
>born.
True. There is a slight risk that one of three things may happen. Either
complications could result from the gerbil not being properly adsorbed
that could endanger the mother. I have never heard of this happening.
Secondly, an eye-less or otherwise deformed white gerbil might be born.
I have heard claims that this has happened once or twice, it is
consistent with white mutations in other species, but I am sceptical.
Such an animal would probably be infertile.
Thirdly, whilst breeding pied to pied is probably safe, I do know of a
congenital balance defect that cropped up after repeated pied to pied
matings.
If you are breeding for good markings, breeding a pied to an un-pied
sibling is probably almost as effective.
--
Julian
************************************************************************
* Jackie and Julian *
* [EMAIL PROTECTED] *
* National Gerbil Society *
* http://www.gerbils.co.uk/ *
************************************************************************
