JimD said:
So I take it you guys dont like any type of morph.
The mindset i belive to be here, is, they do not like morphs that physically make life harder for a dragon to live its normal life.
So far, ive seen several problems brought up.
1) they need specialized care, because the skin is so fragile
2) they cannot breed normally due to the nature of a breeding dragons actions, which includes biting and scratching to get a hold on the female.
3) Wether this third is a FACT or not, i am unsure, but it seems they cannot live in the same conditions that are OPTIMAL for a healthy dragon, because of the sensitive skin.
Questions that are still unknown are:
1) Are they prone to infections in the skin, moreso than normal dragons
2) Is the Keratin, that was previously mentioned, preventing other parts of the body, or growth process from happening as they should?
3) are there hidden problems, on the inside that the human eye cannot see. Because not all genetic problems have to be physical. There are mental problems sometimes exhibited as well. meaning: do they behave in the same way as normal dragons, do they have the same instincts, and other characteristics that happen naturally with normal dragons?
Its not at all that these people dont like a new morph, as morphs CAN be brought to the public in a correct manner. Line breeding can be done correctly, and can actually Strengthen specific traits, or the health of the dragon if a breeder KNOWS what he or she is doing. It can be done, and it IS Done, by people who are very careful about their animals, and truly care for the betterment of the breed.
ALOT of breeders out here in our reptile world actually DONT know a whole boatload about genetics when they breed, and DONT know how to go about the process correctly.
Now, dont take that as me saying all of us who do breed, or plan to breed someday, should never enter the process until we know everything about genetics. because, i dont expect that.
What i DO expect. is that the people who are producing animals like these, to Look as these questions that are being asked, and FIND OUT, BEFORE they introduce these animals to the public.
If the animal can live a healthy happy life, without the trait adversely effecting their health, i say, fine, go for it. its not for me, but make sure you KNOW what you are doing. and it better be 100% Healthy before its available to the rest of the world.
its pretty obvious that the bearded dragons in the states and elsewhere, NEED some dedicated breeders to improve the quality of animals we have. what they DONT need, is people mucking with flaws in the animals characteristics, and then spreading the problem or potential problem around.
because... guys.... honestly.... i dont think its going to be too easy, or possible even, to get more dragons from Australia if they all get ruined here.