New breeders and mutations

[TheChinClique]

Do you guys think that when you get into breeding that you should stick with mainly one mutation, or that you should just go buck wild and breed whatever colors you want? I was thinking that it's probably smarter to stay with one color to try and improve that specific color, and then maybe, as you get farther into breeding, you should expand your herd into other colors.

Also, why is it that people say that you should always start with standards when you start breeding? And then people get horrified when you start with something like Violets or Sapphires? What's the difference, if you start out with great quality animals like everyone else? Because you are new to breeding the babies will be worse than if an experienced breeder owned them? :rolleyes: I just get confused when experienced breeders get mad at new breeders for starting out in something a little more challenging, even when they have GREAT quality animals.

-Andrea

[outsiders_girl]

I started out breeding petstore standards.. then found out all the reasons on why petstore chins shouldn't be bred, so they are now wonderful pets and I bought what I though were better quality chins... well I got ripped off there... so I am now, buying a white ebony female, who is being shown in the Nationals, and I'm getting her on April 4th :) Then from there I'll start looking for a better quality male :).

[Chrisanne]

The reason behind the recommendation to start with standards is there is generally less heartache. Standards are healthier as a whole, bigger, better fur, etc. Where as with a mutation like sapphire you have to deal with smaller weaker kits and a higher mortaility rate. Its better to leave those mutations to the people who have been breeding for a while.

[Becky]

The problem is that most people starting out don't know how to tell if an animal is great quality. While it is certainly possible to find great violets and sapphires, they are few and far between- especially sapphires. It is much easier to find great quality standards.

I don't think most people are telling you to breed only standards- just to use standards in your breeding. Try maybe a white with a standard, or a black with a standard. Find the best quality animals you can , and go from there!

Becky

[TheChinClique]

What about new breeders that have a mentor to help them pick out quality animals? I wasn't referring this situation to myself really, It's just something I've noticed.

[HobbyGuy]

Allowing a mentor that you trust to pick out two animals is a wonderful plan. The whole reason why people should show animals is to have a non-biased judge tell the strengths and weaknesses of each animal. Listening to a knowledgable source is always a smart move.

Breeding violets or other mutations isn't a problem, just understand what the reasons people say that breeding back to standards is important.

[Becky]

A mentor is great. Find one that really knows what they are doing- has done well at shows, had chins a fairly long time, etc. They can be a huge help!!!

Becky

[Megan.]

Honestly, I'm one who believes new breeders shouldn't play with recessive mutations. I feel that they need a lot of work to improve them, and before one goes out and breeds them they should experience breeding other standards/mutation. They are better quality for the most part. I honestly tend to be put off when I see people just starting out and jumping right into violets/sapphires ,or wanting dwarves/goldbarr/sullivan beige ect ect.

[HobbyGuy]

I agree about the rare mutations, or the ones that are weaker health wise. In other words, pretty much any mutation besides violets. Violets do not have the same health issues. If someone wants to breed, and they truly only want to have a few chinchillas... There is nothing wrong with them breeding violets. Of course, that is assuming that they get a good violet or violet carrier from a very reputable breeder. Since they need to trust that the breeder will not be selling them a runt and calling it quality.

[GunningChins]

One large problem with the recessive colours is that the gene pool is generally smaller than that of dominant mutations such as bvs and standards.
It is much harder to find decent, unrelated recessive stock than good standard stock (IMO)
Beginners also tend to breed recessive to recessive to improve the yield of colour, since they often don't find standard carriers "exotic" enough (wouldnt happen with a good "mentor" - but often does when people do it alone)

I began with standards and bvs and have never really been interested in any other colours (except the odd tan which sprung from being given a fabulous tan/white who would have been wasted if I were to keep him only as a pet)
I love the straight-forwardness of the bvs and standards, my low mortality rates and large, healthy babies suit me just fine :)