newb question

[crzy_kevo]

ok well here is my newb question i see it all the time on here what does melanistic and het melanistic mean

[Snake lover 3-25]

i think it's a type of morph.... it means black..... and if i'm right then het melanistic means that they are not melanistic but carry the trait????

[crzy_kevo]

ok thank you was just wondering

[infernalis]

Melanistic is a genetic condition that invokes a surplus of melanin, resulting in a snake that is all black, or nearly all black.

Het Melanistic meant the animal carries the gene, yet looks outwardly "normal"

Example, here is Melanie Melanistic, the eastern garter



This Radix baby is HET for snow, its parents were snows, yet this baby is normal to the eye, but when bred will produce at least some snows in the litter.



Now the thing with HET is that you must be willing to deal with a reputable breeder who can prove lineage. Too easy to fake it.

[Snake lover 3-25]

lol yay i was right!!!!! almost...

[crzy_kevo]

lol wayne
anyways thanks wayne you are very informative

[infernalis]

Shanley you were 100 percent right.

Kev, I got a bunch of HET babies from Scott Felzer, a well known and honest breeder.

It's a way to get some $200 garters for about half, but you have to raise and breed them to see the results.

In the end, if you are really only wanting a pet Melanistic, it's a ton easier to just buy one.

My Melanie has a destiny, here is her pre-arranged groom.



They should have some handsome babies one day...

[beaniesmommy]

Everytime I see magma I am more and more in love.

[crzy_kevo]

i love the red in magma hes adorable

[GartersRock]

Yes, Magma is gorgeous! I am SO excited for my flame babies. =D