Pearl andPearl Merle Rats - Info/Picture Thread

[Michelle.C]

So many people have showed interested in Pearl Merles lately, thought I'd post an info/picture thread.



Question: What are the genetics behind Pearl Merles?

Answer: Merle is linked to any Mink based rat. However, it stands out the best on Pearl. Pearl is also Mink based. Both UK and American Mink can be Pearl Merle, but American Mink has the darkest splotches. Pearl can be varying shades depending on the penetrance (how much the gene is coming through).

Question: How do I produce them?

Answer: You need the Pearl and Merle genetics to produce Pearl Merles. While not extremely rare, they can be difficult to get under a breeding contract.

Question: Are Pearl Merle rats like dogs?

Answer: No, they are not the same genetics seen in dogs. Double Dilution Merle in dogs can cause health problems, with rats, there are no health related issues in Pearl Merle rats. That said, homozygous (two copies) of Pearl is lethal in utero.

Question: What is the difference between UK Mink and American Mink?

Answer: They can look quite similar, but are genetically quite different. UK Mink is generally lighter (but not always) in it's original form. It also dilutes less when combined with other dilutions. In other words, where American Mink x American Blue makes Platinum, UK Mink x American Blue makes a black eyed Lavender. Much darker, but similar shade. American Mink is better for Pearl and Pearl Merle based lines though.

Question: I have Pearl Merles, how do I breed for nicer Merles?

Answer: Remove all other dilutions (Russian Blue, American Blue, c-locus, etc) as the combination of dilutes makes for very poor Merles. Also, select for a darker shade of Mink and lighter shade of Pearl when choosing your breeding stock. Because remember this, the splotches are NOT black. They are whatever shade of Mink you are working with.

Question: So what rats can be Merle?

Answer: All Mink based. Cinnamon Pearl Merle, Pearl Merle, Platinum Merle, Platinum Pearl Merle, Russian Cinnamon Merle, Russian Cinnamon Pearl Merle, Cinnamon Merle, Mink Merle, etc.

If you have any other questions, feel free to post on this thread and feel free to contribute if you have Pearl Merles yourself. Picture spam now!