Pim
Member
Posts: 346 
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Post by Pim on Nov 19, 2020 5:09:11 GMT -8
Hi everyone! My gerbil chai has white speckled paws and a white chin similar to the markings of a black gerbil. The white paw mutation only happen in black gerbils or not? and why would chai have such little spotting if it didn't? is it just left to chance or does spotting pattern have anything to do with genetics?
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Post by betty on Nov 19, 2020 7:48:02 GMT -8
OK - so we recently found out that the white paw gene isn't in the US - so if you are there - it's not that. Also the white paw gene (Sls) is present in all gerbils who carry the gene whatever their colour. It is just best seen on a black gerbil - but it doesn't matter. This gene is almost impossible to see on any agouti-based or (dominant) spotted gerbils due to their existing white feet and tummies. Another clear giveaway for this gene is different coloured toe-nails. Gerbils should either have light OR dark toe-nails - never both. As for other reasons - there are several 'modifier' known to act on spotting (making more or less spotting on each individual) and I believe it is THESE that create white patches often seen apparently randomly on chins, chests and feet in self gerbils. They aren't a spotting gene of themselves - they just create blobs of white on non-spotted gerbils here and there. Have a read of this if you haven't already for more detail - Shooting Star - Spotting Genetics |
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Nov 19, 2020 8:18:34 GMT -8
What colour is Chai? Siamese, Burmese and slate gerbils can have white on the paws and a little on the chin just by virtue of being colours derived from black (siamese and burmese are colourpoint black and a slate is a black with underwhite dense).
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Pim
Member
Posts: 346
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Post by Pim on Nov 19, 2020 15:59:52 GMT -8
HE is a Burmese an I and I'm the US so probably not the white paw gene. I will have to check if he has all the same colored toenails.
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Post by LilyandDaisy on Nov 19, 2020 16:06:51 GMT -8
The speckling is very common. This is my Rocket with perfectly normal white markings on her paws and chin:  |
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Post by Markpd on Nov 19, 2020 16:56:22 GMT -8
Rocket's got sweat bands on!  |
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Post by Shooting Star on Nov 22, 2020 7:28:42 GMT -8
Any black-based (aa) color can show the white on paws and chin. All colors actually have it (unless they're selectively bred for less mottling modifiers), you just usually can't see it on white-bellied colors. But if you look closely at the forepaws of pups and the upper lips of adults, you can see it on them too.
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