It is true that strictly, to be an albino you need to have the albino mutatation that removes colour all in one go, not like in PEW gerbiols, a combination of genes that together removes all colour. Researchers in Japan claimed that they haddiscovered an albino gerbil, although it is not clear if this holds up to examination, or whether the mutation still exists. THE GENETICS OF COAT COLORS IN THE MONGOLIAN GERBIL (MERIONES UNGUICULATUS).: Matsuzaki, T., Yasuda, Y. & Nonaka, S., 1989, Experimental Animals, 38, 337-341 Ashas been said, it is possible that breeders coul have albino and not realise it. It is possible to establish that albino does not exist in a population of PEW gerbils, and it is not too difficult. Breed every PEW gerbil to an Argente Golden or lilac gerbil. It is relatively easy to make sure that these colours do not carry c[h] or c[chm] (previously known as c[b]). Any offspring should be Cc[h]pp. If PEW and CcPp or Ccpp if albino. Any non-red eyed pups will be an indicator of albino. Even if all are red eyed, you may still have albino but you would need to eliminate pp by a methodical process of managed inbreeeding and crossing that could take several genrations. The GGG have developed several strains of known genotype that they use for their breeding experiments. If albino was availabel in Germany/Netherlands they would probably have spotted it by now. -- Julian on the move [EMAIL PROTECTED]
