How would I know?

[Flatheadhunter33]

I have a question please...I dont yet own a BP but hope to soon...after I learn as much as I can. Im not looking to breed either, seeing as how my knowledge of the subject is less than zero! I do wonder though if there is a way that a buyer can tell by looking at a BP that the snake is in fact heterozygous for a particular trait?

Example: a breeder says that a snake is 50% het for piebald...or 100%...whatever percent.

How can the buyer tell if this is true other than taking the word of the breeder. No offense to any breeder or questioning anyone's integrity...just asking a question. Thanks!

If this answer is already posted somewhere, please just let me know. Thanks again.

[2kdime]

Some animals have "markers" some dont

If they have paperwork, cool

Most times you need to do your research on that person, see what they're working with, their reputation....etc etc

Do your research, get on the BOI on Fauna....ask questions on breeders....

[Freakie_frog]

I have a question please...I dont yet own a BP but hope to soon...after I learn as much as I can. Im not looking to breed either, seeing as how my knowledge of the subject is less than zero! I do wonder though if there is a way that a buyer can tell by looking at a BP that the snake is in fact heterozygous for a particular trait?

Example: a breeder says that a snake is 50% het for piebald...or 100%...whatever percent.

How can the buyer tell if this is true other than taking the word of the breeder. No offense to any breeder or questioning anyone's integrity...just asking a question. Thanks!

If this answer is already posted somewhere, please just let me know. Thanks again.

The only way to tell is by the parents.. 100% means that one of the parents was homozygous for that trait. 50% simply means that one of the parents was 100% het for that trait.

The percentages is nothing more than the chance each egg has at being Het for that trait is all..

[kc261]

I do wonder though if there is a way that a buyer can tell by looking at a BP that the snake is in fact heterozygous for a particular trait?

Example: a breeder says that a snake is 50% het for piebald...or 100%...whatever percent.

How can the buyer tell if this is true other than taking the word of the breeder.

You can't. Part of the definition of a recessive trait is that the heterozygous form is not visually different from a normal. So the only thing you have is the word of the breeder. This is why it is extremely important to buy hets from a reputable breeder.

Paper work documenting the genetics is nice, but proves nothing. A scammer can print up a piece of paper just as easily as an honest breeder. However, if you might later want to sell the snake, paperwork from a reputable breeder is very useful.

[jjmitchell]

You must simply purchase hets form people that you trust. any thing less than a 100%het is a gamble on getting a normal and there is no way to tell without breeding it out.

[herpdaily]

Yes I would suggest you purchase your animal from a trusted breeder/friend especially when it comes to hets.

[Turbo Serpent]

Why buy a het if you aren't looking to breed? They look just like a normal but generally have a higher price tag. No point unless you are breeding.

[Flatheadhunter33]

Why buy a het if you aren't looking to breed? They look just like a normal but generally have a higher price tag. No point unless you are breeding.

Thats why I was saying that Im only asking in order to learn. I saw an ad where a seller was saying that they were selling a BP that had a certain trait and that you could tell from looking at certain markings on the belly...so I figured there was something there to look for...if i ever get to the point when I am ready for purchase, I just want to know as much as possible...Im actually considering rescue though. Of course I have a bunch of questions on that subject as well!!