I'm collecting information on ball python morphs that might carry harmful or lethal genetics. Given that there are so many different morphs out there today, I think it would be easy for somebody who is uneducated to buy one and not know what they are getting into, which is why I'd like to spread as much info as possible, and ask for some expert opinions.
The ones that I know are:
Wobble: Spider, HGW, Woma, Powerball, Champagne, and super Sable
Lethal: Super HGW, HGWxSpider, ?super Champagne?
Egg binding: Desert/tiger (rly well documented threat here)
Please add more that you know. I'm a leo person so BP's are not my strong point.
I have a bit of a breeder's survey:
1. Which of these morphs do you work with?
2. Do some have more severe symptoms than others? Which ones? Are they of the same morph? Are they a combo of two or more morphs with genetic issues? Are they related?
3. When did they first start showing symptoms?
4. What is the quality of life for them? Are they able to eat, shed, and breed on their own?
5. Has one ever died or had to be euthanized because of their health issues?
6. Have you ever bred a lethal combo before? If so, did the snake hatch or die in its egg? If it hatched, how long did it live?
7. Have you ever produced a chimera from a lethal combo? If so, did it hatch or die in its egg? How long did it live?
8. Are you very selective about which individuals get to breed? Do you keep some, or sell some, as pet only?
9. When you first got your snakes, were you aware of its genetic health problems? Have you educated others?
10. Do you have a thread/Facebook page/Youtube channel etc documenting working with these morphs?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.