Id agree that albinos are genetic flaws but quite frankly that is why they are great for the pet trade. They are not fit for survival in the wild so why not keep them in a cage?



The only reason they are genetically flawed in the beginning is due to the fact that they stand out like a sore thumb and get picked off my predators before they pass on their genetics. Their overall health isnt effected. Only after excessive inbreeding takes place. Then of course things can get messed up, more and more mutations arise (sometimes new colors, other times its missing eyes etc)and more and more problems occur.



I am in agreement in that I don't really care for the different morphs floating around. I enjoy natural patterns and colors more. However, being that these snakes are dead to the wild anyway, I dont think it matters. It only becomes an issue when these morphs start getting inbred like crazy. Im talking thousands of generation i.e corn snakes. Of course with the rising attraction to Pituophis I think we will start seeing more and more of an issue arise as a result.



I have zero understanding of how genetics work and or anything about producing morphs but I do understand that an albino with little to no inbreeding in its family history is only genetically flawed because of the predator and UV issue. Your post makes it sound like because they are albino they will live only half the life of a normal phased. In the wild? probably. Being pampered in a cage? Id say the rate is about the same.

[ Hide Replies ]

• Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - socerpro31, Mon Mar 10 15:24:49 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - FL_Herps, Mon Mar 10 15:39:04 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - socerpro31, Mon Mar 10 16:15:45 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - FL_Herps, Mon Mar 10 16:45:58 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - jodscovry, Mon Mar 10 17:51:20 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - socerpro31, Mon Mar 10 18:45:17 2008
• WHY? - Nokturnel Tom, Mon Mar 10 19:20:42 2008
• Right with you Tom..... - Jeremy Pierce, Mon Mar 10 20:13:21 2008
• RE: Right with you Tom..... - DISCERN, Mon Mar 10 21:44:23 2008
• RE: Right with you Tom..... - DMong, Mon Mar 10 22:21:29 2008
• RE: Right with you Tom..... - DISCERN, Mon Mar 10 23:05:45 2008
• RE: WHY? - jodscovry, Tue Mar 11 21:28:59 2008
• RE: WHY? - Atrox788, Wed Mar 12 08:58:03 2008
• RE: WHY? - jodscovry, Wed Mar 12 15:39:42 2008
• JB - Jeremy Pierce, Wed Mar 12 20:20:17 2008
• RE: JB - jodscovry, Thu Mar 13 08:44:09 2008
• more pics - jodscovry, Thu Mar 13 08:47:40 2008
• RE: JB - Jeremy Pierce, Thu Mar 13 09:28:42 2008
• RE: JB - Nokturnel Tom, Thu Mar 13 10:41:39 2008
• RE: JB - durrus, Thu Mar 13 10:57:10 2008
• RE: JB - Nokturnel Tom, Thu Mar 13 12:06:38 2008
• RE: JB - durrus, Thu Mar 13 13:13:51 2008
• Nice! - jodscovry, Thu Mar 13 15:53:18 2008
• RE: JB - Jeremy Pierce, Thu Mar 13 18:17:16 2008
• I'm still trying to understand.... - DMong, Thu Mar 13 12:42:59 2008
• RE: WHY? - Nokturnel Tom, Wed Mar 12 15:34:09 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - Paul Hollander, Mon Mar 10 18:48:36 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - socerpro31, Mon Mar 10 18:54:07 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - Nokturnel Tom, Mon Mar 10 19:23:42 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - DMong, Mon Mar 10 20:44:11 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - Paul Hollander, Tue Mar 11 18:02:21 2008
• Just a couple of pics - UAWPrez, Tue Mar 11 00:53:55 2008
• Those are hot! np. - Nokturnel Tom, Wed Mar 12 15:34:48 2008
• RE: Patternless SouthernSnow Pine. - socerpro31, Thu Mar 13 19:31:54 2008