Have I done everything?

[Holly]

Oh she is absolutely gorgeous! I'm hoping for a REC in Caramel's litter - as Paws is probably carrying Cinnamon hopefully we'll get one (I am right about that aren't I - I'm at work and don't have my genetics stuff to check ).

Now I've seen her I want one even more!

Originally Posted by pophammy

Yes it is most likely because of Autumn coming closer. She will probably stand later on at night, maybe 9:30 ish. You are best to get the scent of the males on your hands and let her sniff, then rub her back. If she does a half-hearted stand you are best to leave it for half an hour or so and try her later.

I'll try that then. I was really happy that it was so obvious when she's on heat - much safer for Paws - but I'll try much later and see how we go.

[pophammy]

Awwwww, I love that pic with the babies! Sooo cute! :P

I am sure it will be obvious when she is on heat, it always is with our girls and I'm sure it is just because of the Autumn that she is getting later.

[souffle]

Awwww that is such a gorgeous picture. She looks as if she is smiling with pleasure there. She is beautiful.

[Holly]

Good news, I got caramel out after 9.30 pm last night and tonight and handled her immediately after Moxy - and she stood tonight

That means next Tuesday should be the big night for her and Paws - eek! It's exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time - and that's just for the humans involved :P

[Spuds Mum]

Originally Posted by Holly

Oh she is absolutely gorgeous! I'm hoping for a REC in Caramel's litter - as Paws is probably carrying Cinnamon hopefully we'll get one (I am right about that aren't I - I'm at work and don't have my genetics stuff to check ).

Now I've seen her I want one even more.

Hi Holly, I think there is a good chance you may get a REC because as you say(though I am learning all the time about genetics and am still v much a novice), Paws should be carrying cinnamon from Bailey, and as Butterbean and caramel had the same Dad, and BB is REC then it looks like Zimbali may possibly have given Caramel a cinnamon too. Hope you are lucky and get one, but whatever you get I am sure that they will be gorgeous as both Mum and Dad are aren't they? Glad she is still in the mood - look out paws on Tuesday - hope he has lots of energy!!

[Holly]

Originally Posted by Spud's Mum

Hi Holly, I think there is a good chance you may get a REC because as you say(though I am learning all the time about genetics and am still v much a novice), Paws should be carrying cinnamon from Bailey, and as Butterbean and caramel had the same Dad, and BB is REC then it looks like Zimbali may possibly have given Caramel a cinnamon too.

That would be brilliant (although I'll be delighted with a bunch of healthy babies really)......how hard is it going to be to decide who to keep

[souffle]

Well if she carries cinnamon we might get some long haired cinnamon satins too!!! I'm not certain if Paws carries LH but by looking at him compared to his SH sisters I would say there is a good chance he does. We notice the LH carriers seem to have a thicker coat and have the odd long hair on the scent glands, at the back and behind the ears.

[Holly]

It really is incredibly exciting thinking what we might get - you would think that sticking two BEC's together would just get you BEC's - the fact that recessive genes pop up all over the place does make the whole thing VERY interesting.

We are probably going to keep two babies, maybe a male and a female (unless nobody wants our babies and we end up keeping nearly all of them!). I don't really have any colour/coat preferences though, as we have so few *show* hamsters it would maybe be nice to have two that would go in different classes ie a cream SH or SH satin and a cinnamon.

But, hey, this is all speculation, we'll have to wait and see. I just want them to be healthy and happy - and I must admit I feel the need to *vet* prospective owners that I don't know a bit - will that be ok??????

[babyboos]

what a beautiful picture

[Holly]

I actually can't stop looking at it!

Has everyone noticed the little guy with his nose and mouth just poking out from under his mummy doing a copy of her expression - that is about cutest thing I've ever seen