Understanding breeding norms

[Invisible Snake]

Hey could someone please post some pics of some cross-bred garter snakes.. thanks.

[BUSHSNAKE]

heres a concinnus x parietalis

[mb90078]

It doesn't happen in the wild, so why should people cross them like that? Diversity doesn't matter if you are crossing the species that do not naturally cross in the wild. What is the point in crossing them anyways? There are 70 some odd species of garter snake, is that not enough?

There is documented evidence that certain subspecies do cross in the wild in some areas.

[kimbosaur]

That's what I thought too, but it doesn't really make a difference.

If cross-breeding was acceptable, than we would basically be reversing the evolution process. Species have come to adapt to their environments through natural selection which is why they look the way they look and behave the way they behave. What would be the point of reversing all of that?

It's like, what if everybody just mixed up all the breeds of dog? We would just end up back at square one with a wild-type mutt looking animal. Not entirely the same thing, but you get the idea.

[guidofatherof5]

Agreed, but it has never produced anything special.
The knockout snakes are produced within their own species and subspecies.
In my opinion.

[kimbosaur]

heres a concinnus x parietalis

It looks like it's having an identity crisis.

[mb90078]

Again, I'm not exactly advocating the practice of cross-breeding in private collections. I'm just trying to correct common misconceptions.

(I do think some people go too far in demonizing it, but that's a different topic for a different time.)

[EasternGirl]

Thanks for all the feedback...I have a good understanding of breeding norms now and am enjoying the discussion on why we do not crossbreed...keep it going...this is very interesting!

[BUSHSNAKE]

heres a concinnus x parietalis

i was highly critized for having this animal by, at the time, a "friend"...im happy to say im not friends with that person anymore

[Eight]

From my understanding of snakes in general (not just garters) it happened in the wild when the ranges of two species overlap. If they are different sub species they are called intergrades where as different species are hybrids, although it gets more complicated than that. I always assumed it was shunned due to people wanting to keep the scientific species clear and pure in the pet trade, but Creamsicle cornsnakes are widely accepted considering they are a hybrid/intergrade. And as to keeping them healthy, that is completely wrong. As someone else stated that genetically diverse animals are generally more healthy. Just look at some of the royal morphs that have been inbred to hell for the sake of a colour mutation. I could never support that but also wouldn't intentionally cross any species of reptile. Some species of Tarantula are completely messed up and very confused due to breeding in the pet trade, especially the Avicularia species. But half of that is due to people wild collecting them and selling them under an incorrect scientific name.