How rare is this colour combination?

Gust0o · 02-29-2008, 02:38 AM

Chaps, I wasn't sure if I had made it up, the other day - but, thanks to the power of the internet, it's been confirmed.

I saw, in our local pet shop (which is absolutely fantastic with it's small animals - Peejay's in York; I catch them playing with the hamsters all the time!), a black long-haired tortoiseshell.

My heart broke.

I have no room.

I want.

Now, I'm trying to confound Spud's Mum and Holly, by not escalating to 12 hamsters - grrrr - or risking infuriating my partner, Alex.

However, I do still want - when the time is right - as the little chap looked fantastic. But, are they rare? Will I struggle to find one?

Mollz · 02-29-2008, 02:55 AM

Tortoiseshells are quite rare, and black is one of the most popular colours of tortoiseshells.

I would personally love one, and breed them one day as I think they are really beautiful! Unless that petshop has a regular supply of tortoiseshells, you may struggle to find one in a shop, although I do know of a few breeders that breed them.

Gust0o · 02-29-2008, 03:11 AM

Oh dear... I'm still not sure I can use the 'rare' excuse, the week after Hobbs and Harry turned up!

I'll see if they will tell me where they got this chap from; you never know, they may be able to obtain others.

Also, does Ami_j not breed black torts? Wonder if she's planning black LH torts?

Mollz · 02-29-2008, 03:14 AM

I'm sure she has a litter of black torts at the moment actually Gus

If you look at my post about torts in the breeding section, she posted pictures of them!

Gust0o · 02-29-2008, 03:21 AM

Oh, Mollz... you trickster, you!

I can't go look; otherwise I will want. And wanting is bad. Especially when you have a flat-ful of hamsters already!

...

...

Well, maybe one quick peak, wouldn't hurt?

Mollz · 02-29-2008, 03:37 AM

lol, I knew you wouldn't be able to resist.
I made a mistake though, it's in the syrian section, not the breeding one: http://www.hamstercentral.com/forum/vie ... php?t=2894

**Spuds Mum** · 02-29-2008, 04:03 AM

Good luck in confounding Holly and I Gus, those little beauties get right under your skin don't they?

Of course your little chap would be a chapess as torts are female, but they are very striking aren't they?

If you are coming to a show soon, you may be able to meet some tort breeders possibly, then you could put feelers out for when the time is right!

Gust0o · 02-29-2008, 04:59 AM

I was hoping to make Topcliffe - I just can't decide who to bring along with me, since I guess I should be showing someone!

I was considering Hobbs (young stock or pets), with Bob and Biggie (pets) - or some combination thereof. Almost certainly Hobbs and Bob, as they're gorgeous!

Would definitely like to speak to the breeders... someone will need to keep an eye on me; or, if encouraging this behaviour, someone will need to distract the wife! I may be bulk ordering!