Reptile & Amphibian Forums

np

Are you wondering about the genetic end of things, or just wondering if they make OK pets? Are you talking about a leucistic texas rat? That's where you find most of the bugeyes.
I have one that a breeder friend gave me last year (he did not want to sell her...not worth much, etc). She's doing great, and is one of my favorite snakes. Duffy

i just want to know if in leucistic texas rats it impeads their life or ability to make a good pet in any way. If possible could you give a little info on the genetics behing it. many thanks,
alex

I was asking the same questions last year. All who answered said that there should be nothing wrong with the animal other than the unusual appearance. A friend of mine had produced one, and offered it to me for free, saying that it would not be worth that much for him to sell. Truth is, they should be worth less than normal leucistics in terms of market value, but he was being a nice guy and looking for an excuse to give me another snake.
I have had her since October. She's a great animal. About what you might expect from a Texas Rat: Started out pretty feisty, but calmed down really well with gentle handling. I would expect that you could count on the normal range of possible ratsnake behaviors, regardless of the bugeye condition (which does not bother me at all...I think she's a beautiful snake!).
As for genetics...it seems to be a simple recessive trait. There is some speculation that it may be linked to the same chromosome carrying the leucistic gene. Bottom line: just as good as other Texas Rats in terms of pets...You might want to think twice if you are planning breeding projects for future generations of leucistic texas rats. Although there is nothing "wrong" with the animals in terms of health, etc, they are not as valued in general, and may be hard to get any money out of.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask, if you have any other questions. Good luck, and enjoy! Duffy

one last question, do you know where i can get one for a resonable price?? once again thank you for all of your help

Are you specifically seeking out a bug-eyed one? Because you like the bug-eye look, or you assume that you could get a better deal on one? Either way is OK thinking as far as I'm concerned.
I have had friends over who have said, "I really like the eyes on THAT one!" I have sometimes thought that the bug-eye trait could have gone either way...It could have become an oddity that was sought after rather than shunned.
Have you checked the classifieds? Are there any good shows near you? What state do you live in. My friend has bred the same pair again this year, but so far all his hatchlings have had normal eyes. I will ask him specifically to let me know if he gets any "bugs" if you want. He goes to shows in Ohio, Ky, and Indiana. I don't know that he has done much shipping yet, but I don't see why he wouldn't. If he wound up with a bug, he would probably give a good deal on it. Duffy

i'm not just looking for bugeyes but any lucy. Ive been keeping reptiles for years and finally decided to get one or a pair of lucy texas rats because they're killer animals. I live in northern Va and go to all Va and Md shows. Does your friend have any left from his other cluches he'd be willing to part with?
many thanks
-Alex

i'm not just looking for bugeyes but any lucy. Ive been keeping reptiles for years and finally decided to get one or a pair of lucy texas rats because they're killer animals. I live in northern Va and go to all Va and Md shows. Does your friend have any left from his other cluches he'd be willing to part with?
many thanks
-Alex