good breeding books?

Madness420 · 08-11-14, 03:13 PM

i am planning to get into breeding, ball pythons at first, then i'll see where it goes from there. i was wondering what would be the best books to read in the area of general breeding as well as genetics. i am making a birthday/christmas wishlist.

**Aaron_S** · 08-11-14, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madness420

i am planning to get into breeding, ball pythons at first, then i'll see where it goes from there. i was wondering what would be the best books to read in the area of general breeding as well as genetics. i am making a birthday/christmas wishlist.

To be honest, your best bet is to get a better grasp of housing and go from there. You just begun your foray into ball pythons and the enthusiasm is fantastic to see. I would caution you to just be patient.

Also, there's no specific book to go and read. I know Kevin McCurly puts one out and it's a decent basis but most of the information can be gleaned from websites.

Jim Smith · 08-11-14, 05:09 PM

If you want to get a good basic understanding of reptile genetics, you can try "Genetics for Herpers" by Charles Pritzel. That said, I agree with Aaron's recommendation that you start by focusing on gaining a really solid understanding on reptile husbandry first. Also, you might want to check on your local Craig's list to see how many ball pythons are being offered, many of them for next to nothing. If you do plan on breeding, what are your plans to sell of the offspring. Just a couple of thoughts...

Madness420 · 08-11-14, 05:15 PM

i have been doing a lot of research online. but i figured there were some good books to read especially in department of genetics. i understand the basic punnet square thing, dominant/recessive, that kind of thing. but i know genetics are a lil more complicated than that at times. and i have plans for a rack system that i will eventually house everyone in, maybe keep 1 or 2 aquariums for the "cool" factor.

Madness420 · 08-11-14, 05:23 PM

also i am starting with a pinstripe male and either a pastel or super pastel female which should be ready to breed in 2016. my corns should be ready in 2017. so i'm taking baby steps. just trying to gain as much knowledge i can in the next 2 years. i could allways create an account on kingsnake.com for more sales options. if ball pythons and corns work out, i'll one day graduate to something like green tree pythons and brazilian rainbow boas. but thats at least 4 years down the road.

**Aaron_S** · 08-11-14, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madness420

i have been doing a lot of research online. but i figured there were some good books to read especially in department of genetics. i understand the basic punnet square thing, dominant/recessive, that kind of thing. but i know genetics are a lil more complicated than that at times. and i have plans for a rack system that i will eventually house everyone in, maybe keep 1 or 2 aquariums for the "cool" factor.

What in particular is complicated to you in regards to genetics?

Madness420 · 08-11-14, 05:34 PM

little things like mixing 2 dominant genes or 2 recessive genes, or when you get into breeding 2 snakes with like 3 gene combinations.

**Aaron_S** · 08-11-14, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madness420

little things like mixing 2 dominant genes or 2 recessive genes, or when you get into breeding 2 snakes with like 3 gene combinations.

That didn't tell me what part is complicated. Figuring out the odds? Figuring out the potential combinations you could get?

Madness420 · 08-11-14, 10:47 PM

yea. but i mean i know that 2 albinos make all albino... stuff like that. but what about when you are dealing with something like albino spinner blast or something crazy like that? i just want to be as knowledgable as i can be. i would rather have a mind that thinks genetics rather than googling questions i have. i mean it looks like i can get genetics for herpers for like $10-$13 so why not?