[PixiesExoticHedgies]

Bryan,

If a hedgie has distinct "badger stipes", does it make it any more valuable (from a breeders stand point)? What about in the shows? I currently have 2 babies with badger stripes and I had never seen it before. I thought it was something new....LOL! Then I found your article below. So I'm also curious whether it's common or rare?

Pixie

Mask Colour
Although the differences between mask colours in the two species is difficult to differentiate in colours in the Apricot to Algerian Chocolate range, (Algerian masks are somewhat lighter and more of a brownish tinge) they are very easy to distinguish in the Algerian Grey to Black range. The masks in these colours are considerably darker and extend well past the eye, almost to the point where the face meets the quill line at the side of the face. As well, many display "badger stripes," two stripes that extend from the mask, up the forehead between the eyes, to the quill line.

 

[bryan]

About the only real value badger stripes make from a breeder's perspective is that the stripes are indicative of darker Algerian colors and as such, have a bearing in cases where a breeder is working towards Algerian Black. Badger Stripes may be seen on anything from Algerian Brown to Algerian Black. (in order of darkest to lightest - Black, Dark Grey, Grey, Chocolate and Brown)

Bryan

 

[Chewy]

Yeah all my babies have had that stripe. Bryan, I didn't know the stripe indicated anything? I always thought it was like with deer, when their babies they have their spots and then they lose them. Learn something new every day.

 

[PixiesExoticHedgies]

Here's a picture for those whom have never seen BADGER STRIPES....
She's also a fine example of the CHEEK PATCHES!

[attachment=0:32mp2q06]Hedgie pics 9-30-08 002.jpg[/attachment:32mp2q06]

Bryan,

I had her listed as an Algerian Grey, but in this picture, she has the 'split nose'. Does that make her an Algerian Chocolate, or can other colors still have the 'split nose' feature?

Pixie

 

[r_k_chic47]

AWWWWW, those "badger stripes" look absolutely adorable!

 

[hedgie love]

My hedgehog has very distinct badger stipes.

 

[LizardGirl]

Is there are more technical term than "badger stripes"? I have also seen that extended mask on many hedgies, and I've also heard it called a veil.

Not sure which is accurate, or neither?

 

[bryan]

Bryan,
I had her listed as an Algerian Grey, but in this picture, she has the 'split nose'. Does that make her an Algerian Chocolate, or can other colors still have the 'split nose' feature?

While there is a split nose in this case, the mask and badger stripes are simply too strong for Chocolate. Algerian Grey she is.

It's important to realize that there can be (and is) variation within any color form. This little girl is a Grey, but leaning slightly towards the Chocolate end of the spectrum.

As for the correct terminology for "Badger Stripes", that's it. I have never heard the term "Veil" before.

Bryan

 

[LizardGirl]

Okay, thanks.

 

[PixiesExoticHedgies]

Bryan,

Should I expect the badger stripes to fade, as she gets older?

Pixie

 

[bryan]

They may, but given she's Algerian Grey, she'll probably hold on to them for a very long time and may never completely lose them

Bryan

 

[PixiesExoticHedgies]

Awesome! Thanks for all you help.
Kinda wishin' I had kept her and not sold her already.
Oh well......guess I could rebreed again later.
I know she's going to a GREAT home!

Pixie

 

[Nancy]

I've had many babies born with badger stripes. Many lost them as they grew but some kept them. Some of the most prominent ones as babies, totally disappeared.