Hey, I wanted to come on here and give a big "Thank you!"
to Jeremy Stone... at the start of this month I posted asking
for opinions and ideas about my albino litter that had a very
high mortality rate. I got some really great responses!
I hadn't known Jeremy also responded in a diff thread at that
time since I was offline for a few weeks. I just now read the
post, wow, that is so much information!
Thanks Jeremy! I really think it is great that a big breeder
such as yourself would take the time to talk in detail about
the ups and downs so plainly and openly.
There are a few things you mentioned that I do believe were
in line with my experience. The litter was born on her 91st day
from POS, so yes, she dropped early. The babies had BIG bellies!
(here's a pic of one of the albinos that died, born with a big belly)
None of them shed until about the 25th day or more, and I
waited until after the sheds to offer the first meals. I also
was waiting since their bellies were all so big, I figured they
didn't need to eat right away. That could have contributed
to it. Some didn't eat for a while either, I only had one
that regurged, but yes he died too. 
I noticed a lot that had big bellies had some trouble moving
their back half of their bodies.
Here is a picture of one of the albinos that is still alive,
he had a huge belly when born and the belly still looks
somewhat 'too big' for his body. He seemed underdeveloped when
born, as you can see, there is no color in the saddles. Over
the past few months, he's developed a light pink tinge over the
entire body. He eats, sheds and defecates fine, but the other
one that was just like him died 3-4 months ago. I don't know if
he'll make it:
This is the het sibling that is still alive as well:
This is the other albino. He was one of two that were very
vibrant in color and very healthy appearing when born. The
other died early on, but this one has stayed the course strong
and steady.
here he is after a meal...
*IF* I do breed the same male and female again, it won't be until
the end of 2005.
Thanks again (to everyone who responded). I've got my fingers
crossed these three little ones will make it.
-April
