Thoughts on culling...when and/or when not to?

[RobNJ]

I was just skimming through a thread on another forum today and this was touched upon. I find this to be an interesting topic worthy of discussion, so....what are your thoughts on culling? Whether it be for deformities, genetic abnormalities, babies that are extra resistant to feeding on their own, etc...when and why do you make the decision to cull or not to? Do you keep snakes that shouldn't be bred down the road for whatever reason, or do you give them away or sell them at a reduced price labeled as "pet only"? Can you ever really trust that they will end up in and stay in a "pet only" environment? In the better interest of the hobby and the animals, would a strong stance for culling be beneficial? Is the risk of further diluting an already fragile gene pool outweighed by your(and/or ours) innate sensitivity and desire to see the animals we produce do well and live?

[The Serpent Merchant]

I think that you should keep it (unless the animal will suffer) You brought it into this world so it is your responsibility. It is part of the game we play.

[SlitherinSisters]

The only way I would cull is if it would be almost impossible for them to thrive. I had to cull my first clutch because they were train wrecks. Some didn't have eyes, all their bellies were split a good 3-4 inches, and they had severe kinks. Their clutch mates were dying throughout incubation, but three of them lived long enough for me to pull them out of the eggs and they could barely move. This is the reason I go substrateless now and will never go back. I personally think it's wrong to cull any animal that can and will thrive. There is a difference between living and thriving in my book.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I was also going to say that only you can be sure that the animal isn't ever bred.

but I forgot

[RobNJ]

This is my 4th year breeding, I've yet to cull any...I just think this is an interesting topic. I have my own thoughts, but will be the first to admit that I need more experience to fully formulate them. As far as keeping any not fit for future breeding, I don't see it as a realistic option...and I am not one to trust that slapping a "pet only" label on an animal will by any means be of any assurance to that end.

[ChrisS]

I think that with the animals we are breeding deformities and "defects" are rare. Kinking, duck billing, and bug eyes are all deformities I feel you can sell. Depending on the severity of the kinking maybe sold as pet only. But culling is only done when it's a defect the animal will suffer. It's an unfortunate part of breeding animals the we must accept. I don't feel there is an inbetween where it can't be sold (even at reduced price) and culling. The animal is either healthy enough to survive or not, and we as breeders have a be responsible enough to do what right by the animal, not our wallet.

[Mike41793]

I think that it would really depend on the circumstances for me. I havent bred yet but plan to make my first attempt at it next season, (with bps). I think that with some abnormalities the snake can still survive and live a happy life. Mild cases of kinking, duckbilling and bug eyes dont always impair the animal to the point that it will not be able to live normally. Like i said, i think i will have to make the judgement when put in the situation. Until then i cant say for sure what i would do...
If the snake only had a mild deformity i would probably post it on here as an adoption, thats not for breeding. I know there are quite a few members on here that never plan on breeding and they just keep them as pets

[Mike41793]

The animal is either healthy enough to survive or not, and we as breeders have a be responsible enough to do what right by the animal, not our wallet.

Couldnt agree more. If youre in it for the right reason, for the love of the animals, then you wont care whether you dont get money for the animal or if you have to cull it... Youll be happy knowing you did what was right for the animal.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I don't see it as a realistic option...and I am not one to trust that slapping a "pet only" label on an animal will by any means be of any assurance to that end.

I plan on breeding in the near future, and if I ever produce one that isn't fit to breed in the future but will still be able to live a happy life it will stay here in my personal collection and I won't breed it. It's as simple as that.

[RobNJ]

we as breeders have a be responsible enough to do what right by the animal, not our wallet.

If youre in it for the right reason, for the love of the animals, then you wont care whether you dont get money for the animal or if you have to cull it

There's no money in culling, so I fail to see the argument...but I'd say that there are plenty of people who wouldn't think twice about pairing a space cadet spider to a kinked caramel with their primary focus being on the money that can be made.