Eyeless Piebald Clutch

[angllady2]

I have a number of eyeless snakes. One adult and three babies. It does seem to be quite prevalent this season, but I think it's more due to increased flow of information, and perhaps a reduction in the stigma attached to hatching less than perfect snakes making people talk about them more than any real issue.

While some low-lifes will always cull an imperfect animal no matter how minor the flaw, if the snake can feed and shed and defecate and grow normally, I see no good reason to end it's life. Heaven knows I adore my adult female eyeless, and she makes a great ambassador for people who are uncomfortable with snakes.

Of course the decision is yours to make, but I do sincerely hope you will at least give the babies a chance to see if they can thrive or not. Believe it or not, there are a number of people who are willing to give these wonderful animals a home if you decide not to keep them. Several do educational programs with them, and many just want a companion animal.

There are arguments on both sides for breeding these animals or not breeding them. I think it would be mostly a matter of personal choice. If I do decide to adopt my eyeless babies instead of keeping them, I am going to request the adopters not breed them. Of course, I have no way of making sure they do not, but I believe by voicing my thoughts on why they should not be bred, I can get a good idea if potential adopters will or will not breed. I have been asked a number of times about breeding my eyeless adult. And while I believe her condition was caused by an incubation issue and should not be passed on to her offspring, I personally choose not to breed her. I have other breedable females in my collection, and I am not comfortable with the risk however small it might be, of harming her or her potential babies. There is simply no need for me to try and breed her.

I know how you feel about this clutch. One moment so excited and thrilled, and the next your hopes dashed and the crushing burden of guilt that comes with any problem with a hatchling. The endless questions that follow. Did I do something wrong? Could I have prevented this? Should I breed these animals again or not? What will I do if the babies can't survive on their own? Should I tell people this happened? What kind of person/breeder will they think I am if I do tell? Oh believe me I know. The eyeless babies I hatched came from my favorite female. I bred her to my fire male, and I was so excited to get babies from her. I just knew they'd be beautiful. And the first three were everything I had hoped for. Then that first baby with no eyes poked it's head out. I was devastated. Then a second one. Then a third. After everything I had waited and hoped for, to have that happen was almost to much to bear. However, since I was fortunate enough to have adopted an eyeless baby and watch her grow to adulthood, I was a little bit better equipped to deal with it than most, so my babies and I are learning together. If everything goes well, and they continue to feed well, then I will make the choice to keep them or adopt them to the wonderful and willing people here who have already expressed interest in them.

I wish you and your babies all the best.

Gale