The Jag gene

[bobby]

Is it dangerous?

I think I read somewhere that there were some undesirable effects but I cannot find it now?

Something similar to the spider royal I believe?

Am I talking rubbish or is there a problem?

Cheers, Bobby

[Alfonzo]

There are some neuro issues associated with the jag gene but not all individuals exhibit it. It is similar to the spider head wobble I guess, not pleasant to see but necessarily dangerous.

Incidentally, if you were to breed two jags together you would creatic leucistic carpet pythons, but thus far this has proved to be fatal.

[bladeblaster]

Originally Posted by bobby

Is it dangerous?

I think I read somewhere that there were some undesirable effects but I cannot find it now?

Something similar to the spider royal I believe?

Am I talking rubbish or is there a problem?

Cheers, Bobby

IMO and this is not proven and often debated, all jags carry the potential to show neurological problems, some have it form birth, some get better some get worse, some show no signs when young but develop it as they age.

However, and this is important, very few have it to a degree that is actually detremental, although if not used to it, it can appear distressing. the fact is that apart from the most extreme cases they eat, drink, shed, and breed just as normally as any other carpet.

[bobby]

I do not want this thread to erupt, so lets keep this adult people!


Thanks for the info, what kind of percentages are we talking about?

Also, do you think its right that we continue to breed snakes that could have these issues just because they look pretty?

If these were dogs it would be considered a serious fault?

I know there are many people who love these beautiful snakes and I am not looking to start an argument!

[Caz]

I can honestly say none of my Jags have ever shown any signs of neurological problems and behave no differently to my species specific 'wild' types.

[Alfonzo]

Originally Posted by bobby

I do not want this thread to erupt, so lets keep this adult people!

had it started to erupt??


Anyway, I havent seen it in my jag either. Thankfully. I wasn't aware of it when I bought mine so would probably have totally freaked if it started happening!!

[bladeblaster]

Originally Posted by bobby

I do not want this thread to erupt, so lets keep this adult people!


Thanks for the info, what kind of percentages are we talking about?

Also, do you think its right that we continue to breed snakes that could have these issues just because they look pretty?

If these were dogs it would be considered a serious fault?

I know there are many people who love these beautiful snakes and I am not looking to start an argument!

yes I think it is right, as they are just as healthy as any other carpet.

Thats my opinion though, and I know others feel its wrong, and refuse to buy jags as a result. Thats fine I have no issue with that and fully respect that stance.

I have seen a few jags with the problem, I have seen a lot of jags without the problem. However I do feel that they all have the 'potential' to develop the problem. They also all have the 'potential' to reproduce the problem.

A jag showing neuro issues doesn't neccesarily produce off spring with the problem, just as jags showing no issues can produce young that do.

[bladeblaster]

I will add that most people who think its wrong, or object to it on principle, have not actually worked with jags shwoing the issue.

That doesn't make their opinons any less valid, however it is an opinon made with a certain degree of ignorance, and I do not mean that in a derogatory way.

[bobby]

Originally Posted by bladeblaster

I do not mean that in a derogatory way.

Wouldn't have taken it in a derogatory way

I know the thread hadn't erupted but I feel this could be a bit controversial!

I think they are beautiful, one of the nicest looking snakes I've seen!

I'm just worried that it could be damaging!

[Alfonzo]

Originally Posted by bobby

I think they are beautiful, one of the nicest looking snakes I've seen!

I don't know enough about it to say whether or not it is truly damaging, but carpet pythons carrying the jag gene are indeed truly striking. Mine is certainly my pride and joy, and they are very manageable, calm snakes to boot.