Dove or Mink?

[ami_j]

i was bought a hamster and im sure hes dove yet theres bits of him that look mink like. does anyone have a sure way to tell or pics to compare the two?
thanks

[I_am_plankton]

Dove is made from combining black with cinnamon, where the black becomes washed out with the cinnamon, so looks very pale:

http://purplekatkritters.tripod.com/pet/spalette.html

They can be mistaken for being a dove browny grey.

Mink is made from combining cinnamon and sable, and the animal then has a dark brownish coat all over with a purpleish tinge:

http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previe ... 022133.JPG

[Spuds Mum]

there are lots of pictures of Jane's dove boy Charliee on the forum and here are links to my mink boys/girls.

In the early days it is quite hard to tell the difference as young minks look very like doves. As they age though, a more 'orangey' colour replaces the grey/blue.

a mink pup
http://www.madabouthamsters.com/bree...babies_014.jpg

A fully grown mink male

http://www.madabouthamsters.com/our_...amster_008.jpg

a young mink female


http://www.madabouthamsters.com/our_...amster_004.jpg


They are quite hard to tell apart, but as your hamster ages, the differences become more obvious.

Either way they are two of my favourite colours, lovely and soft pastel. So I am sure you have a very pretty hamster!