Color and pattern morphs of reptiles is alot different than breeding for size/function as is done with cats and dogs. IN many cases, harmful mutations are bred true in cats and dogs (ie the persians with their pushed in noses and high chance of breathing problems, or tear duct problems, large dogs and hip displacia etc) But cat/dog coat colors are not so much a problem.

Often in cat and dog breedings, things are taken to the extreme, like making a dog breed that is barely bigger than a rat from original stock that is many times bigger.

What most morph breeders in reptiles are doing, is not trying to change the size and shape of their snakes, but bring out color mutations to enhance their appearance. Many of these color patterns occur in nature (though for the most part, most do not survive to reach adulthood because the particular color or pattern morph make it impossible or more difficult to hide from predators). Breeders just take these natural variations and enhance them via selective breeding etc. producing all the wonderous combinations now available in the ball python world.

One reason there is so much variation in ball pythons morphs is because there is so much variation in the natural 'wild type' of ball pythons. Pastals, pieds, spiders etc, not to mention so many variations of the natural pattern that makes ball pythons such a joy to own and breed. Their patterns are unique, probably as individualistic as finger prints or individual snowflakes are. Some are lighter, some darker, some more yellow, some with black backs, others with partial or complete stripes, little ot no 'alien' heads, speckling etc leaving the wild type of ball pythons just as interesting and varied as all the new available morphs out there.





-----
PHLdyPayne

[ Show Entire Thread ]