I've not been on the forums in a while, but must admit I've sneaked a peak on a regular basis. Garters are a part of my life that I will never (want to) part with.

In the last few years, I have seen a change though and would like to see some kind of adult discussion about how the garter world is evolving. Therefore, I'd like to suggest ethics in breeding, sparked by a topic concerning male (and a sideway movement to female) size for breeding.

I was surprised to see how preference was given to a male that has unwanted characteristics. Smaller size, smaller head, all in all 'not right' (please note - not right are MY words and MY interpretation).
I wonder why this is... Shouldn't we aim to produce healthier lines with good growth, good appearance and everything else we want in our snakes?

Shouldn't we be more selective about our breeding, even if this means we need to wait a year or two longer for our project to take shape?

So far - It does seem like I'm singling a certain case out. Please note I am not, but this is an excellent example of what I've been seeing in the last years...

To make it more personal - anerythristis and albino red sideds are close to impossible to find in Europe. We had a male anery het albino that showed neurological disorder. He could function just fine, but we have still decided to pass the animal on to a responsible hobbyist keeper that doesn't wish to breed him (in the meanwhile he has passed away).

Why did we do this?

For the very simple reason that we do not want to reproduce such flaws. We might see perfectly normal behaviour in the first generation, but what happens if the littermates are paired up again. By chance or on purpose by the next owner.

Do we really want that?

I'd like to get your opinion about this and how you see the breeder hobby evolve in the USA. Some signs of the same are also happening within Europe and I'm seriously starting to worry....
Also, in case there is no feedback at all, I'm happy to have written it off of my chest.

Mods; In case we get a mud-fight or anything non-constructive, please remove the thread....