We started with a group of 4 goldens we knew
were not carrying any other colour genes, these were Bambi, Branwen,
Indiana and
Indigo. Our intention was to breed true goldens so that we could
filter
and fix other colour genes later. From a conversation with a long
time member of the Northern Hamster Club several years ago the ideal
was
to have a group of about 6 "True Golden" females.
Our concern was that breeding such closely related hamsters might be
detrimental to the line. However getting hold of a
hamster that you can be certain is a "true golden" is nigh on
impossible,
so we bit the bullet and decided we were going to have to make do with
the
stock we possessed. When we felt that Bambi was rested enough
from
her last litter we mated both her and her sister, Branwen, to Indiana
their Nephew.
The reason for mating two female hamsters at the same time was in case
there were complications with one and a foster mother
might be needed. As it turned out Branwen ate her litter for
reasons better known to herself, but Bambi raised 8 babies, 6 females
and 2 males. This now gives us a basis for our hamstery.
At the same time we had decided that the first colour we
were hoping to filter and fix was the Silver Grey gene. Having
tried several sources for a hamster carrying this colour gene Jasmine
was finally obtained. What other colour genes she carries we will
have to try and determine and take steps to remove from her offspring.
This will be a long and patient task, but the reward will be one
of great personal satisfaction. We intend to keep developments
of that journey recorded on this web-site.
Other hamsters that we have aquired include:
- Vixen who now is just a "pet" who might get out to a show now and
again. Vixen is a very nice Golden of nice size and proportions,
with a lovely nature;
- Chris a golden I know to be carrying the dark grey gene and the
cinnamon gene.
- Midi another golden I know to be carrying the dark grey gene
- Midas another Golden from a long line of Golden matings that I
hope may be used as an outcross for my line of pure goldens
The other hamster in the household came with no pre-thought whatsoever.
Naturally when we meet people a little of our interests rub off
on them. That's how it was when Victoria met the hamsters and
naturally, for a 10 year old girl, there is the wanting one for
herself. So a cage was obtained, one of those nice Rotastak
things with tubes and the likes and a nice young "white" hamster with a
few small patches of black. Upon inspection it can be deduced
that it is a black, satin, dom-spot, banded with possibly the white
belly gene. Victoria's account can be found