Bad Match Breeding

[ConcinusMan]

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.

I think that there is a higher risk of problems alright, but not necessarily just because they're albino. What's more problematic is the bad breeding practices done to produce them. Especially true of checkered's.

[gregmonsta]

Checkereds have seemed to have suffered more than most. I remember Lulu having great problems getting a clutch of albino babies to thrive.

[EasternGirl]

Well...I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Again...so sorry about what happened Steve.

[infernalis]

Checkereds have seemed to have suffered more than most. I remember Lulu having great problems getting a clutch of albino babies to thrive.

I have heard it said on this forum once "Albino Checkereds" are the most heavily inbred garter morph on the market"

[chris-uk]

I think that there is a higher risk of problems alright, but not necessarily just because they're albino. What's more problematic is the bad breeding practices done to produce them. Especially true of checkered's.

Spot on there. I wouldn't expect a first generation albino to be any worse health-wise than a natural coloured sibling. It's the other recessive bad genes that come out in subsequent generations when breeders are chasing the albino mutation. Our Binky will never breed.

[infernalis]

I have several snakes here that will never be allowed to breed.

Some of my albinos and snows have bug eye syndrome, one was born without a tail, etc.

I quit collecting morphs about a year ago, would much rather have healthy animals.

[ConcinusMan]

Luckily I didn't see any of that with the snow radixes I got from Julio. They were perfect and healthy. They seemed just as vigorous as any normal radix. Still, a lot of radix albinos/snows are definitely now showing some of the same problems (inbreeding depression) that plague checkereds.

[guidofatherof5]

Guess I should update this thread. No good news to be had.
Lost 2 more from the two groups. That leaves only 2 snakes alive from the births.
Terrible numbers.
The 2 that are left seem normal but I just don't know what to expect.

[EasternGirl]

That's really a shame...sorry to hear that. I am hoping the best for you with the two that are left.

[chris-uk]

I think your earlier thoughts of ensuring that these don't breed is a sound action. It may be a genetic problem with the het male (he sired both litters didn't he?).
If the albino male is unrelated he may be a better bet, although I wouldn't hold my breath.
Of course, it could be the female that carries the problem. I think either way, I wouldn't give either of these two the chance to breed again.