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Originally Posted by peasypea
Stalking and waiting for baby pictures!!
What happens to the hairless ones then? Do they have further problems? And is this something that happens with inbreeding or will these hamsters be carrying hairless genes from way back? Sorry questions galore haha. The genetics of it all is so amazing but I haven't a clue about it!
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Hi Peasypea,
Sorry for the long wait on your questions I just now saw them.
The Hairless pups are from the parents both having the hairless gene as it is one not lost here in the states sadly. Many people who think it nice actually breed for it even though this gene is not a sound and healthy gene. My Rust line has it lurking way, way back in the line and was why I selected mates who didn't relate to that one line. I studied under a long time breeder who used to breed for hairless on how I could eliminate it or at least avoid it showing up in my lines.
The further problems with hairless is they require much more maintenance to keep healthy and happy. Like a cushings hamster they have very sensitive skin and can get cuts and injuries much easier then a furred hamster. Their bedding must be soft paper with no cut edges so they won't cut themselves. Because the fur gives warmth in a normal hamster the hairless is very susceptible to being chilled so Torpor can occur if an outside heat source is not provided. Because they are constantly using more energy to keep warm they require much more proteins and calories daily. (the Hairless pups eat much more food and eat much more often then the haired siblings)
I can see why some love hairless hamsters with my learning of these two pups. When they are handled and your hands are nice and warm they lay down and cuddle up to you instead of being a spring loaded fur ball like their siblings. They are actually very soft to pet and because they don't have fur to block their body heat from your hands they are very warm and calming to the holders touch. The two Hairless pups already run to my hand and climb in ,where their furred siblings will come sniff but then scurry away.
I will be seeking pet homes for these two and will be VERY fussy on who gets them. I will be making sure the new owner understands they are High Maintenance and a lot more costly to care for. I know it may take a long time to find that perfect home but I want to avoid these two from getting into the pet trade breeders who only breed Hairless for the $$$$ offered to buy them(One such breeder already approached me offering $100.00 for the pair) SMH, ridiculous.