g. m. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote
>To develop a smaller size gerbil one would use runts, or adults that are
>small. However, there are many risks involved, due to birth
>complications or other unknown reasons. Perhaps, spotted small gerbils
>would work because their litters are smaller anyway due to the spotted
>gene. I suppose its possible. Smaller breeds have been developed in
>other animals - Chihuahua, Netherland dwarf, Bantams, Singapura,
>Argentina miniature horse, Vietnamese potbelly pig, etc...
Miniature breeds often have serious anatomical problems, such as joint
disease. On the whole it is not a good idea.
BTW, I thought it was the other way round with Vietnamese Pigs. Modern
Western pig breeds are the result of a few thousand years spent breeding
*bigger* pigs. The Vietnamese pigs that I have seen are nearer in size
(and colour) to wild pigs.
--
Julian
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* Jackie and Julian *
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* National Gerbil Society *
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