Question on "rare mutations"

[Whimsy]

I just got off the phone with a notable breeder on the opposite side of the country from where I live. It was interesting talking shop with her, but I'm a bit confused by some of the new terms she used in describing some mutations I have never heard of. First, she mentioned the "pearl" mutation. When I asked her if that was the same as the "beige violet" she replied in the negative. Has anyone any information on the "pearl" mutation?

Another she mentioned was a (something) fox. I'm familiar with that term when used with show MICE, but not with chins. Can anyone set me straight on this other rather confusing term?

I'll be driving down her way next week and can post on what I saw there and hopefully add something new to our start up herd. As a new member of MCBA I'm still trying to decide which strain I'd like to work with. It would be nice to bring something new to the east coast.

 

[Spoof]

Heard of the word Perl used with **** beige and light color phase hetero beiges.

Never heard of the word fox used for a color. Will be interesting to see what she has. )

 

[AZChins]

I haven't heard these terms from experienced breeders either.

Are you sure that this person has a lot of experience with chins? Maybe she just started up?

 

[Whimsy]

I haven't heard these terms from experienced breeders either.

Are you sure that this person has a lot of experience with chins? Maybe she just started up?

lol
This person is Lurlie Adams from Valley View Chinchilla Ranch, which has been established since 1966. Definitely not just a start up breeder. Matter of fact, they are the ones I purchased my very first chinchilla from over 20 years ago.
At any rate, it's because of her experience that I'm a bit confused by the usage of these unusual terms. Again, I'm really curious to see what her "rare mutations" are. As I understand, there are others who keep a tight lid on such and work secretly with them, so it will be a pleasure to learn from these people.

 

[starleomach]

I haven't heard those terms but I do know way back when chinchillas started everyone kinda had their own terms until they were decided on when the industry became organized BUT that being said I have never heard either term or read either term in even the most old books and magazines.

 

[Becky]

There are still people out there that make up their own names. That doesn't mean they have new mutations, just that they've picked up a color name somewhere.

 

[tunes]

I know people with a lot of experience breeding chins too, over 40 years for some of them, and I have never heard them use terms like that.

Experienced or not, "unique" names like "Pearl" sell. Beige violet? Not so much.

 

[threewingedfury]

Don't they list on their site that they breed charcoals also? I thought all charcoals in the US were pretty much obsolete.

 

[AZChins]

I see...they may be her own terms. I don't know. I've heard inexperienced people call a chin a "cinnamon" or something equally as strange. Thought I would ask.

 

[Spoof]

...but I do know way back when chinchillas started everyone kinda had their own terms until they were decided on when the industry became organized

That's my guess, I've met some oldies that called them stranger things, it just depends on wether or not they've been involved in showing, and I don't think these guys have.

I've seen some nice chins come from there. Like I said, it will be interesting to see what colors they really are. )

 

[RDZCRanch]

if this is the valley view ranch out here in Cali I definitely prefer Bowen's quality over theirs. I've seen a lot of chins that have come from their ranch and while some have potential the majority are "interesting" colors with poor fur and small size. At Bowen, even his lowest quality can compare to the highest quality you'll get at Valley View. If you're going to make a trip all the way out here I strongly recommend Gary...he'll make your trip well worth it and if you give him a budget he will stick to it.

**ETA** I know that a lot of their chinchillas that they sell are surrenders from pet people. They just call them by whatever name the pet person was calling the color. They had a medium tan that they were told was a chocolate so they sold it as a chocolate for $200 to a friend of mine that didn't know better.

 

[4everchins]

if this is the valley view ranch out here in Cali I definitely prefer Bowen's quality over theirs. I've seen a lot of chins that have come from their ranch and while some have potential the majority are "interesting" colors with poor fur and small size. At Bowen, even his lowest quality can compare to the highest quality you'll get at Valley View. If you're going to make a trip all the way out here I strongly recommend Gary...he'll make your trip well worth it and if you give him a budget he will stick to it.

**ETA** I know that a lot of their chinchillas that they sell are surrenders from pet people. They just call them by whatever name the pet person was calling the color. They had a medium tan that they were told was a chocolate so they sold it as a chocolate for $200 to a friend of mine that didn't know better.

I couldn't agree with Tabitha more! I would go with Bowen's over Valley view in day.

 

[aznmexaggie]

I will just say that Gary Neubauer at Bowen's Ranch down in Southern CA has much higher quality animals as well as knowledge and expertise and I would also go with a chinchilla from him over Valley View anyday.

 

[AZChins]

Gary is a nice man, too. I have so many in my herd that are out of his chins...and I am very happy with them.

 

[Snickers]

I would have to agree with Tabitha & Sumiko about Bowen Ranch. I have gone to
Valley View Ranch in Vista more than 3 times. I would never buy a chin from them. The last time I went which was last year I took one of my sisters. She asked why they were missing fur I told her they are fur chewers. I also told her that they have no place but the dusters to sit or lay on since the bottom is wire. The babies are also on the wire floors. The pee and poop drop about 2" to what I want to say is a roll of white paper. They don't use any shavings in or around their runs.

 

[Whimsy]

if this is the valley view ranch out here in Cali I definitely prefer Bowen's quality over theirs. I've seen a lot of chins that have come from their ranch and while some have potential the majority are "interesting" colors with poor fur and small size. At Bowen, even his lowest quality can compare to the highest quality you'll get at Valley View. If you're going to make a trip all the way out here I strongly recommend Gary...he'll make your trip well worth it and if you give him a budget he will stick to it.

**ETA** I know that a lot of their chinchillas that they sell are surrenders from pet people. They just call them by whatever name the pet person was calling the color. They had a medium tan that they were told was a chocolate so they sold it as a chocolate for $200 to a friend of mine that didn't know better.

Thanks for the info Tabitha (and everyone else). As a matter of fact, Bowens is on my list to visit the day after going to VV. I'm really looking for a nice spread of new blood for my herd. Going to all the different ranches out in Ca and across the country, I feel, will give me some nice experiences. I just love this learning experience and am very interested in seeing something new and different. I'm curious, as you all are, to see just what these unknown mutations look like.

 

[Claire D]

"Pearl" is a colloquial term used in the UK to represent a beige/violet. It is not used in any official capacity and I think it probably comes from trying to describe the pearlescent sheen/hue which the violet gives to the tips of the fur. I guess it's like calling a really dark tan a chocolate. *shrugs*

 

[Mt. Zion Chins]

I have heard people call **** bieges - champagne. I also have heard of heter. ebonies being called charcoal. I never heard of pearl or .. fox

 

[Rickman]

I'm sure you'll let us know what you "find" out there - should be very informative!

 

[6Dusters]

Can't wait to see what you bring home! Be safe and talk to you soon.