Quote Originally Posted by frankykeno
Another quick Dumbo question - sorry for the hijack Robin - but I can't seem to find a good answer on this issue. Is the genetics that create the lower set ears and the slightly different face of a Dumbo related to any genetic faults? In other words when choosing to create Dumbo eared rats am I risking in any way bringing a slightly less than good genetic line into my colony? I just want to make sure that what I do doesn't hurt the rats or if I need to be very careful in which male I breed Dee to as her next litter will start the steps to producing my own Dumbo's (this current litter of hers being all marked as feeders).
This is my opinion (got to get this in upfront no adays )

I haven't seen or heard of any genetic defects related specifically to dumbo eared rats. In fact 75% of my breeders are either Dumbo or Dumbo carries and I have no higher incidents of cancer, RI or other common diseases then in my normal kids.

I have noticed that my Dumbo breeders (both boys and girls) seemed to be more laid back and like to interact with me more...but this could just be coinicidence (sp?). My dumbos are also very hardy and produce my largest litters (compared to my Het Dumbo or Normals)...again could just be coincidence.