Hi all,



Was just wondering. Have heard alot about birth defects in hatchling geckos on the forums lately and was wondering if these tend to be genetic issues vs environmental (i.e. cold incubation temps, too most or too dry, etc).



It seems to me that given all the morphs and the degree of inbreeding that is done to enhance a particular strain that there may be tendencies for genetic defects to be passed along as well. Granted, top breeders are likely to do what they can to reduce this problem with their breeding programs through careful selection.



Does anybody have experience to speak from as to the number of birth defects that might be considered "normal" among a population of say 100 hatchlings?



I've not started any gecko breeding programs. Not sure I want to other than to sustain my own supply of pets any time down the road (which again seems unlikely given the number of clutches from a single mating and what I'm prepared to keep).



N.F.

[ Hide Replies ]

• Question about birth defects - Nightflight, Tue Aug 1 19:39:58 2006
• RE: Question about birth defects - garweft, Wed Aug 2 11:14:51 2006
• RE: Question about birth defects - kinyonga, Fri Aug 4 10:52:12 2006
• RE: Question about birth defects - Nightflight, Fri Aug 4 15:55:01 2006