I have an rtb (red tail), and I'm curious if there is any way to test for any genetic trait, ie: albino, hypo, whatever. Next year I am putting him together with a gorgeous pastel female, and if he is het for anything, that fact might raise the sale price. Time really isn't a factor right now, but I would like to know what possibly to expect from next season's brood. Any advice can be good advice. Even if a Veternarian is required to do some kind of blood test or whatever. You can reach me through EddieBoa on the forum, or at eddieb1080@yahoo.com Thanx, later.
Reptile & Amphibian Forums
Welcome to kingsnake.com's message board system. Here you may share and discuss information with others about your favorite reptile and amphibian related topics such as care and feeding, caging requirements, permits and licenses, and more. Launched in 1997, the kingsnake.com message board system is one of the oldest and largest systems on the internet.
test(s) for heterozygous, etc.
BoaBrett
Mar 24, 2005 01:12 AM
Replies (1)
Paul Hollander
Mar 25, 2005 01:42 PM
To the best of my knowledge and belief, there is no blood test or similar test for amy mutant gene in boa constrictors or any other snake.
To test for a recessive mutant gene, such as albino, you would mate your snake to a snake that is homozygous for that recessive mutant gene. IOW, you mate your boa to an albino boa. If there are 17 or more babies, and none show the mutant (albino) appearance, then your snake does not have that mutant gene. This gets expensive fast.
You do not have to test for a dominant or codominant mutant gene like hypo (salmon). If you cannot see the effect of the mutant gene, then your snake does not have the mutant gene.
Hope this helps.
Paul Hollander
