Quote Originally Posted by Tikall View Post
The chromosomes aren't exactly the same in sibs. Crossing over, random assortment, etc assure this. The sibs might share the same visible color traits, but they aren't genetically identical. Now they DO share more more genes than an unrelated individual because they are mixes of the same parent genes.

Over time I think we're going to see many more problems concerning inbreeding. I see ads in the classifieds selling 1.1 pairs of snakes that have been inbred continuously for 2-3 generations to get the right genes in them. Over time we're going to break down the integrity of the genes if this continues. It's happened in corns, bearded dragons, etc. US dragons are smaller than the less inbred dragons in Europe, they live shorter lives, etc. A corn isn't silly or cute because it doesn't kill its prey and proceeds to eat it live butt first.

Every time you inbreed an animal you increase the frequency of ALL genes in the line- not just the ones you're breeding for, and when bred to a related individual the chances of harmful conditions surfacing increases. You may be breeding an albino that has a very rare recessive harmful gene. If you breed its offspring back to it there is a far greater chance of this very rare harmful gene showing up in its homozygous form in the offspring. Out crossing is very important to keep the snakes healthy in the long term.

Edit: Also keep in mind that when buying 66% hets, they're likely sibs from 100% het parents, and you need to remember that it is very likely these are already at LEAST one generation inbred (unless the breeder was smart enough to get unrelated hets as you should be doing), and now you're going to inbreed the 66% het sibs? Always ask about the parents.
I think this is something responsible breeders should always consider after all these are living creatures not just decorations. It appears to me that the most expensive snakes tend to have less pigment /melanin "Melanin's have very diverse roles and functions in various organisms." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melanin I often wonder how this effect the senses as well as the organic structure of these animals.Not to mention lifespan as well as quality of life . Remember the number one rule of breeding is to perfect and protect a species not just make it beautiful. That being said one of my favorite B.P. is a albino pied so I understand why we walk the tight rope .