Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Due to a lot of posts by folks indicating they have acquired pairs of Drys from individual breeders and expressing interest in breeding such, I have decided to sell only unrelated pairs or single specimens only to individuals seeking offspring produced by my group.
Each passing year I grow more and more concerned regarding instances of sibling to sibling pairings and the impact such will have upon the future of Drys in captivity, especially those members of the clan which can no longer be collected. I am curious as to how many of us would be willing to avoid selling unrelated pairs or single specimens only.
I am hopeful those who have related pairs will give strong consideration to acquiring an unrelated pair or trading out a single specimen for an unrelated one, prior to initiating any breeding projects. While I know all too well, there is very little to no lineage data regarding most Dry species in captivity, we certainly can prevent direct inbreeding by not pairing siblings acquired from a single clutch or breeder…

Just my .02,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

I think that's something of huge importance and I commend you on having the ethics. When I do finally get my couperi I will definitely get an unrelated pair even if that means that I have to wait a year to get the other half....more than likely I will due to them being costly

Is there some sort of Dry registry or has anyone thought of starting one?

With all the laws and the dwindling population it really is up to us to keep the species around and have a healthy population as well.....

I completely agree and that is one reason why I have not yet bred my YT. At the rate habitat is vanishing it may be up to breeders like yourself and others, including me when I get more Drymarchon, to help in conservation programs as very few possess the knowledge needed to properly keep and breed the snakes of the genus in question. We can barely get by with the limited gene pool available and inbreeding will only make matters worse. I think it is rather awesome that you're doing your part, Jeff!

is the key..We don't have any real "lineage" trail..I have never obtained a pair of anything from the same clutch..It's just common sense not to do so..I regret that many breeders insist on only selling "pairs" of any specimen..
I've never made that a stipulation when I sell animals, I'm glad you're doing the same..
Now how many Dry's are you going to have this season?!!!!
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Carl W Gossett
Garage Door Herps
Monument,Colorado...northern territory of the Great Republic of Texas

I know this discussion has come up before, but I wanted to touch base with it again, as the season of hatching is upon us and I see a lot of new and returning Dry enthusiasts posting.
I'm not one to count my eggs before they hatch, but I will say, I should have the largest season I have ever had, should all continue to go well over the next month. I am looking forward to it with both anticipation and anxiety. I will also admit, I will probably not do so again, at least until I am retired! ;0)

Best regards,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947