Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anybody ever bred Hog Islands with Pastels? What is the general opinion on this - would you say keep them pedigree, or do you think it could make a nice combination?
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Claire Bear

I am assuming that you are thinking of breeding boa constrictor pastels ?
This cross breeding is possible and can produce some stunning animals, However you do need to think about the ethics of mixed breeding. Opinions vary on this issue with some saying that bloodlines should be kept as pure as possible and others thinking that a more attractive animal is more valuable to the pet keeping hobby.
If you are not set on breeding , I have found that these two phases can be housed together with no problems .

If you house a male and a female they are bound to breed though arent they? Should I keep two of the same sex if I dont want to run the risk of breeding every year? I have been told they do not need to be cooled in order to breed.
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Claire Bear

It is generally looked down upon when people interbreed snakes. Hog's are known to be extinct in the wild therefor in my opinion you are doing a huge disservice to them by crossing them with columbians. Why not just get a pair of pastels? Also you cant just throw to boas together and expect them to breed. It sounds as if you need to do ALLOT more research before even attempting any kind of breeding.
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"Victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price"

Actually I have spoken to many breeders about this and am gathering as many opinions as I can before I make an intelligent decision. From what the breeders have told me throwing a male and a female together is as simple as it gets when getting them to breed, and that is the danger of keeping them together. Imperators dont need a cooling period, so even when you dont "plan" for them to breed they very often do. I already have a hog island boa female which is why I am doing the research into whether they should stay pure or whether cross-breeding is ok. And I have come to the conclusion they should be kept oure, which is why I will get another female. Don't be so quick to patronise, the whole point of this forum is to get advice from people. Thanks for yours.
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Claire Bear

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There are many different shades and patterns of Hogs. I have seen patternless hogs, orange hogs, pink hogs, and even blue hogs. Many breeders are pairing up hogs to bring out the traits that they like, so crossing them with a pastel is not neccesary. Although some reptile enthusiasts even frown on these types of pairing because they are afraid that eventually the offspring will not look like true wild hogs. I personally like pink and orange Sears line hogs and will always keep them pure like many other breeders, and as long as we are around the pure hog will live forever!

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Jaremy Douglas

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Since they are no longer found in the wild I feel they have already been lost. I realize there are many people out their who strive to keep them pure but the fact is in the long run (I'm talking a few generations) they are probably going to end up in the vast, complex and indescriminate BCI genepool. I guess I don't have all that much faith in the humans when it comes to conserving species. I could be wrong of course but if you really think down the road (say 100 years from now) do you truly feel they will be around? What bout 200 years? I'd love to hear your opinions on the future of this boa. BTW those snakes are AWSOME!

Thanks J, from all the info and opinions I have gathered I really agree with you. As I am not ready to breed yet anyway (due to time constraints, as well as my snakes not being at the right age) I will keep two females together and perhaps at a later date pair up both the hog and the pastel with males of their own kind. You are right, hogs are beautiful and should be kept pure, especially since they possibly only exist in captivity.
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Claire Bear