Hello everyone,
Can you tell me your thoughts on breeding clutchmates.
Thank you.
Can you tell me your thoughts on breeding clutchmates.
Thank you.
GBtortoises said:If at all possible it should probably be avoided in captive breeding where there is limited genetic diversity. But it probably takes place in the wild frequently.
Neltharion said:In other reptiles that reach maturity quickly (i.e. leopard geckos, bearded dragons), clutchmates are bred together or offspring is bred back to parent. This often occurs because certain traits/mutations are seen in offspring, and the breeder wants to continue breeding out those traits.
Tail and limb deformities, stunted growth, enlarged heads, are occasionally seen in bearded dragons that are inbred. Do a search on leopard gecko enigma syndrome. That's an example of genetic defects brought about by inbreeding.
emysemys said:It probably wouldn't/ couldn't happen very often. Most times all the babies in a clutch would be the same sex.
EricIvins said:"Enigma Syndrome' wasn't brought about by Inbreeding.......It's connected to the trait, and really can't be bred out, just like some Ball Python mutations........It has been watered down, but it will always be present in all those animals.......Some show it, some don't, but it isn't black and white like everyone thinks......