Opinions about hybrid breeding

[simplechamp]

I just wanted to hear what people have to say about creating hybrids with BPs and other species. It's not something I would be interested in doing, but I'm not really against it either. What do you think BP.net? OK to do or going too far?

[mainbutter]

I'm not against it under 2 conditions:

1) it is known that the offspring are healthy(no inherent genetic disposition toward disease or other health issues). As far as I know, mules can be expected to be as healthy as any horse or donkey offspring and live perfectly long healthy lives, and fit this condition perfectly. I've heard that ligers(lion/tiger hybrid) have health issues, I think associated with growing too large.. If this is the case they would not fit this condition.

2) it is controlled so that the hybrid genes do not "pollute" any other population of snake. Some hybrids are hard to distinguish, especially if a hybrid has been subsequently bred into a specific species line. I wouldn't want to buy a corn snake whose great great great grandfather was a king/corn hybrid if I was looking for a corn snake.

So pretty much as long as they are not subsequently re-bred, I'm ok with hybrids that have no inherent genetic problems.

[sg1trogdor]

Yes I agree I am sure any second the other side of the argument (for lack of a better word) will chime in but as long as they are healthy and IF sol are labeled correctly then why not. I know some will disagree here but I actually like the superballs and Walls even the carpalls(i believe thats what they call them) I think they look beautiful but then again I think pretty much every herp is beautiful so I guess I am bias on that.

[AjBalls]

As long as they are not a rare species of snake, I don't really care.

I like the look of some hybrids, but I would probably never own one.

[janeothejungle]

I'm against it unless they are 2 species that would have the potential to interbreed in the wild. Otherwise, I think there is no way (with the existing lack of regulation) to keep the general gene population of the species that are mixed from becoming muddied. I'd also argue that there are so many gene variations within any given species that aside from the 'playing god' complex, there is no legitimate reason to hybridize.

Although, if we did get enough 'mutts' out there, think how much more valuable a 'purebred' would be. (this is a joke).

I'd never want to own a hybrid. I'm also less likely to do business with someone who chooses that path. Just my .02.

~Kat

[anendeloflorien]

I'm not necessarily against hybrid breeding..... I think that the superballs are a fantastic looking hybrid I just don't know if I agree with muddying up the gene pool like that. I just think there are too many variables when trying something like that.
If you look at Russo's superball page you see that there are varying degrees of hybridization (lol I guess that's what you'd call it). Some that look like they're mainly ball python, some mainly blood and some that are a really interesting mix of the two. I think that as long as they are represented in an accurate way and sold responsibly there should not be an issue with hybrid breeding. Just my opinion.

[AaronP]

I'm for it under controlled conditions, no selling off hybrids as a normals either just because they look like normals. I actually want to produce super balls one day using one of my morph males.

[littleindiangirl]

I agree with Kat on all accounts.

<---- and so does Ramses the Great

[mooingtricycle]

DONT DO IT.

Unless you are 100% responsible for where the offspring are going, and how the new owners will represent them in the future!

Just because you CAN does not mean you SHOULD!

[Spaniard]

Unless you are 100% responsible for where the offspring are going, and how the new owners will represent them in the future!

And since no one can guarantee what another person will do with 100% certainty.

Don't do it!