Gerbil Genetics (Feeders)

[stainthedane]

My bf and I have a breeding pair of gerbils, whos on to their second litter as of yesturday. We're trying to discuss the fate of the first litter. Two males will be fed to the Savannah Monitor, and then there's a sister and brother left. I want the brother, but he wants me to take the sister too, and breed them. He said there's sites saying you wont notice genetic problems until the third generation... but I just don't like the idea in general. I'd rather buy a new female.

What are the risks of breeding the siblings together?

[ChrisNE]

My pair had a litter yesterday aswell! Dunno about inbreeding, don't like the sound of it like. You've seen hills have eyes, wrong turn, texas chainsaw etc! Imagine that...but with gerbils! Scary!

[stainthedane]

Originally Posted by ChrisNE

My pair had a litter yesterday aswell! Dunno about inbreeding, don't like the sound of it like. You've seen hills have eyes, wrong turn, texas chainsaw etc! Imagine that...but with gerbils! Scary!

Hahaha that's halarious. But yeah, I don't like the idea of it, I really think I should grab a new female.
Congrats on the new pinkies!!!! Aren't they cute? lol.

[ChrisNE]

Well i got 2 breeding pairs so their litters could mate with eachother, one had their litter 2 weeks ago so its been great watching the speed they grow. Woke up yesterday to more mewing and the second pair had a litter of 7. Wasn't expecting it cos the mothers always been fat and very furry so it kinda hid the pregnancy. The first mam ballooned to the size of a small tangerine! But yea very cute! I love how you go 'aww ain't you a cute pinkie! Her ya go big lizzard! Lunch time!' hehe No remorse