Bad Match Breeding

[Stefan-A]

It's actually an advantage anywhere... snakes from all over the world do the tail rattling specifically when agitated or threatened.

Conclusion: Tail rattling is much older than the rattle.

[ConcinusMan]

Well I still find it significant that racers don't do that in western WA and OR, but in drier climates farther south such as the mountains of NE CA, (Lassen National Forest) and where there are also rattlesnakes, they do. Coincidence? perhaps, but even if it is coincidence, there must be some reason for it.

[brain]

We have a large population of albino deer nearby, I saw a big white buck last year, absolutely stunning.

Sorry about deviating slightly, but it seemed appropriate since this group of albino animals thrives.

However this was the result of our government fencing in a 10K acre parcel of land, the deer herd inbreeding was inevitable.

Sorry, for going off track here I was reviewing the past posts. We have an albino buck out here on the central part of the island and well he is something to look at.

Nevertheless, back to the thread. This discussion only strengthens my love for the normal garter and not the morphs. Yea cool but, “I see albino/snow, I think "eh... Next!"

I can find plenty of natural occurring colors for garters, CB and WC.

[RedSidedSPR]

Albinos -- a not-to-attractive defect.

[RicMartin]

When snakes move, their pattern colors blend in a way that produces a different effect than the pattern on a still snake. I think this creates both a fuzzing of the snake & a visual op-art kind of effect that mesmerizes the onlookers for the split second that it takes the snake to vanish, as if Scotty beamed them up.

I think albino snakes thrive in the habitat their beauty has created in the homes of most breeders. I believe we humans are part of nature, not apart from it, but I don't have any book with all the answers, so I can be wrong.

Is albino a defect? I think that depends on who's doing the judging, & where the snake is. Melanin is important in some places, like high mountains, or the tropics, not so much in others. IMHO, captive bred pet snakes don't need it.

[RedSidedSPR]

Well, then theres the eyesight, and the other health problems, but I do agree with what you said. And I realize they are less of a defect then I thought.

[guidofatherof5]

I had to put the last pastel baby down yesterday. She has been having movement issues for the last month.
Not much eating or tongue flicking and most recently I found her on her back a few times.

There are 4 young snakes left out of two breedings. I think two more of these snakes are at risk.
Slow to no growth and sporadic eating habits. I feel very sorry for these young snakes.

[EasternGirl]

I'm so sorry to hear that Steve. I am wondering what kind of shedding problems Hermes will have being an albino checkered.

[guidofatherof5]

Hermes may have none.
Think positive.

[chris-uk]

Sorry to hear that Steve, it makes for a bad day when you find yourself having to make that sort of decision.

Marnie - Hermes will probably be fine, Binky has shown no problems with any of her sheds. We've had more problems with a normal checkered than Binky. Albinos may be a greater risk for problems than non-morphs, but at the same time they can be perfectly healthy.