Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Does anyone think that some one in the U.S. will ever own an albino beardie as long as we can not legally get new genes that could possibly carry the albino trait out of Australia? Just wondering, because if an albino beardie hasnt showed up in the U.S. by now and seeing as it is one of the most inbred animals there, will there ever be one to show up.... legaly....? Just a thought. Let me know what you think on it.

Kyle

I'm sure they will make their way over here. You are not allowed exportations of "wildlife" in australia... so I'm sure someone who is willing to spend enough money can get one over here on a technicality. (I think thats how the law goes, correct me if I'm wrong)

Ok, I want one. Anyone in the black market? LOL. Just kidding.
But I would like to have one.
Take care,
Karen

They certainly are unique, but to me they look like featherless baby birds. : )

OMG! They're adorable!
But I have to wonder...would they be more difficult to care for due to their albinism? I would imagine that they're much more sensitive to light, and, as we all know beardies need a significant amount of different light sources. Some of the powerful lights we tend to use for these guys may be too much for the albinos, even natural sunlight. They may suffer from burns and/or blindness even.
Maybe we'd have to come up with li'l beardie shades and sunscreen =)

They do look kind of cool...but I rather stick with plain normal morphs than doing extensive inbreeding to get an albino bearded dragon. Same with trying to export them from Australia. We all have to be careful with the diversity of genetic matter between current captive bred bearded dragons to ensure it doesn't become too inbred. It isn't likely we can get 'fresh genes' out of Australia for some time, if ever.

Actually there are fresh supplies coming out of Australia, we have one that is a second generation from there. Her size, build and health amazes people when they see her.

Its does not make the news, but seized imports are not allowed returned to Australia and depending at what point they are seized, some are placed with zoos, universities or individuals.

Quote>> seeing as it is one of the most inbred animals there, will there ever be one to show up.... legaly....?

Yes, sadly bearded dragons are being inbreed in great numbers in the United States, sometimes unknowingly by owners that do not know the genetic history of their dragons, but mostly by breeders seeking to breed for a certain color. Which is also why the United States has weaker, smaller and more prone to coccidia and other health problems dragons.

It would be nice if we could learn something from the breeders in Europe, especially Germany and start breeding for health and strength. But as long as there are people here interested in only color or wanting Albino's...... some breeders continue to inbreed to a degree that they produce them.

The albino ones in the picture(the only onesknown to have ever hatched), none survived, there have been several reasons given from a neighbor spraying chemicals to they failed to be able to eat or digest properly...... who knows for sure.... but I would rather have a healthy, active and long lived bearded dragon than a sickly inbreed one that costs so much in money to the owner and stress on the animal.

Cheri - I really like what you said. I think too often people get caught up in the comercialism... bigger, better, brighter, newer, and don't stop to think that these are living animals... I don't think its enough for us to just -want- them, we have to take into consideration the quality of life for these animals. I noticed that someone else said something about them being more sensitive to sunlight, which is probably true.

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