Unexpected Eggs

[anatess]

I dont know what to say about the pattern differences. #1, who my kids have named Rocco, seems to have the same pattern as Eptius. But Bugsy and Cleo are both way off. Here is a better pic of Bugsy:

Is it just me or do those eyes look like they may just have big scales over them. I'm thinking it just might shed out and have a normal eyeball underneath.

[AkHerps]

That's awesome. The reason that some didn't make it, and some have genetic deformities is probably because of how it happened. Since it is only asexual reproduction from the female, there is not a lot of genetic diversity, which allows fohttp://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?127721-Unexpected-Eggs/page3r more mutations.

[mpkeelee]

WOW, that is crazy. sorry about ur mom. congrats on the eggs tho, guess ur snake really wanted u to be happy again. good luck with bugsy and keep us updated, this is a really interesting thread. i think u may also have the oldest Ball on here

[dr del]

Hi,

I know I have seen this before. I just can't find the thread about it.

The word glaucoma is bubbling in my noggin but also something about blocked tear ducts.

I don't think it needs to be euthanised though - I think a vet should be able to identify it and drain if needed and check to see if it is an infection or a structural defect.


dr del

[mpkeelee]

you may want to contact someone cuz ive been looking and there really isnt much on this happening in pythons.

[dr del]

Oh good grief,

Hi,

I know I have seen this before. I just can't find the thread about it.

The word glaucoma is bubbling in my noggin but also something about blocked tear ducts.

I don't think it needs to be euthanised though - I think a vet should be able to identify it and drain if needed and check to see if it is an infection or a structural defect.


dr del

Turns out the reason I remember that thread was because I started it.

It was a response about seeing a similar picture in a Ralph Davis hatching record.

Clutch 16 on this page as the link in the thread is now obsolete.

So while I don't have any answers I can recommend you contact Ralph and ask him if he knows what caused it and how to fix it if possible.


dr del

[Oxylepy]

It isnt necessary for the offspring to be genetic clones of the mother, in genetics there is something called crossing over where genes move between the two separated chromosomes. This happens after the first split. Also certain variables are going to be random and not genetically controlled to the extent others are. Still pretty amazing considering BPs arent known for parthenogenisis.

The snake is fairly old at this point and as such her eggs are likely suffering in the same way that they do in other animals, increasing the likelihood of deformities in offspring as well as remarkable processes like parthenogenisis. Unless, of course, she was bred prior to you getting her, in which case it's possible she's been storing semen or fertilized eggs. In any case this is still pretty fantastic.

Is it just me or do those eyes look like they may just have big scales over them. I'm thinking it just might shed out and have a normal eyeball underneath.

All snake eyes are covered in a scale, however this snake's scales seem to have grown to massive proportions. The scale itself is likely not going to shed off, however it's possible she may grow into them.

A blind BP isnt that bad considering that they have 2 other senses to hunt with (heat pits and the jacobson's organ).

Also the TC may want to get the snakes sexed. If any are male then there is a chance she had been carrying sperm/fertilized eggs. However if they got the snake when it was still a baby that's kinda thrown out the window.

[bobmurffy]

gratz on the babies they are all very nice looking!! maybe these babies are the saviors of the ball python world

[santino34]

Good news. I just got back from the vet. I had all 3 of the kids checked out. The vet believes that Bugsy has a fluid build up under her eye covers. So her eye covers are stretched out. The right eye was normal when she was born, but now it is almost as big as the left.

The vet believes that it is caused by clogged ducts or perhaps ducts that never formed. We are going to find out for sure tomorrow because thats when we are taking Bugsy back for surgery. The fluid will be drained and the vet will check the ducts.

Rocco and Cleo each weight .06 and Bugsy weighs .08. Cleo was also found to have a kink in her neck. Rocco is in perfect shape, but Cleo was everyone's favorite at the vet because of her color and pattern.

As for Eptius, she was full grown 25 years ago when I bought her from a guy in school who needed the money to pay his electric bill. I think I paid $40 for her. I have no idea how old she really is.

I told Eptius' story to the vet and she thought that perhaps she was storing sperm, but not for 25 years.

[PghBall]

Cool story. Glad to hear the little one's are doing ok. My condolences to your family regarding the loss of your mother.