Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been pondering (dangerous I know)on the discussion about multiple strains of hypo, axanthic, etc... SO, my question is this... If we have a Trumbower and a Stillwater hypo strain (mention of a third?), two different axanthic strains(what are they?), is there also different strains of whitesided, patternless, and albino? There's been a discussion about t-, and t albinos, but I have yet to wrap my head around the difference in them.

Following some of the recent discussions on this board, you probably have as much info on the hypos as the rest of us seem to...as to the axanthic question, they are usually refered to as the "Ballum" (as in Gary Ballum, I believe.) and the "Miami" strain,(as in Miami Co. Kansas.) there are two fairly distinct looking strains of whitesided,("Bell",as in Mark Bell,and "Trumbower",as in Craig Trumbower.) I've been told they are both geneticlly compatible. As for patternless,I've not heard or read anything about a separate strain. Originally there were amelanistic,(T neg. albino) animals that originated from both Amarillo,and Lubbock,(Abilene zoo produced some years ago, but not sure if they were from either of the two afore mentioned localities,or a third?) I believe the first two mentioned localities were geneticlly incompatible.(anyone feel free to correct me if that is not the case!) as far as wrapping ones head around the difference between the two commonly mentioned forms of albinism... It would probably help to look at other species where photographic comparisons could be seen, rather than reading a long drawn out verbal description. Hope this at least answered a couple of your questions,hopefully some others will add what they may know, or correct me if any of this info has been updated.

because it seem not many if any have keep very good track of their breedings. I have never seen anyone say they are selling a certain strain of albino. I guess the two were compatible. So no one cared to keep track. To me those things are very important.

I mistakenly wrote that it was the Amarillo & Lubbock strains of albino that proved incompatable,although there was or still is an Amarillo albino, it was the Trumbower & Lubbock strains that were said to be incompatable. ( not sure if this means there were three different strains,or if Craig's animals originated from Amarillo.(???) nor am I sure if anyone still works with the less common strain(s).

Thanks for the info! I have bought all my breeders from reputable people on purpose with the exception of my first kingsville red bull. I went to my first reptile expo and he was the only bull there. I lucked into him, but did research after the fact and found out I had a very nice bred snake. The other ones I have picked up and basically lucked out with the genetics I guess. They have all produced exactly what they were supposed to from the first clutch. I'm learning new things every day from you guys on here, and it's fascinating! I really appreciate this site, and you guys who are so willing to help.

it's all about! Teaching, Sharing, learning, helping each other produce stronger more healthy more beautiful animals to enjoy. There should be a website with all the info... it's not all about the $.....

Has nothing to do with the money for me. I really enjoy the little surprises from the pairings. The genetics are very intriguing.

I feel the same way Gerri...also,for me there's just always been..."something" about bulls that intrigues me. I love the pines,and the gophers,but it's that look & feel of the bulls that reeled me in.
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Respect the bio-chemistry!

I wasn't trying to imply that it was hope you didn't take it that way. The surprise is at least half the fun. Watching them transform is another pleasure of mine. Any money that might be made just goes back in to feed and supplies

NO! NO, I didn't take it that way at all...I am just really trying to get all this genetic stuff filed away in my mind, and about the time I think I have made some progress on understanding what I've been mulling over, a new wrench is thrown into my thinking. I'm just trying to understand as much as I can, so I can make more informed decisions about pairings and such in the future. The thrill of watching the babies emerge, and grow and thrive is sooooooo exciting! I'm still amazed at the transformations taking place in my young snakes. My oldest bull is 4. He was my first bull purchase, and I really lucked out when I picked him up. Since I have been picking my future breeders carefully, and I believe it is showing in the hatchlings. I look at bull snake ads and sites like most men do porn... lol, and I may be prejudice, but the babies I have produced rank right up there with the "big" breeders in my opinion. I still see some exceptional animals, and then I get to messing with mine, and think... wow!! That's a NICE snake!