So, I’ve been doing some small research and get answers, but then Ill have specific questio s and can’t find answers. So i have a specific question, hypothetically if 2 axanthics have babies, do they all come out axanthic, or will some come out axanthic and some come out normal but het axanthic.
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Axanthic is a recessive gene. Meaning it for it to be visible the baby has to have 2 copies, or be considered homozygous for the gene.
If you breed two snakes that are visual axanthic together, you will get all babies that are visual axanthic. This is because each parent is guaranteed to pass on one copy of the gene each.
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Ok, just wanting to clarify, that both parents always pass on their traits no matter what, the only difference is that for recessive to be visual they need both parents to have the trait. This would mean axanthic and snows would always produce axanthic het albino correct? And two snows would also always produce all snows?
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The understanding here is only correct when thinking of a gene in its “homozygous” form.
It for instance you’re looking at arctic. An arctic bred to something won’t 100% of the time pass this gene on, but a super arctic, or homozygous arctic will.
But yes, an axanthic to a snow, would indeed produce axanthic het albinos, and two snows would produce more snows.
The only guaranteed sure fire way that a parent will pass on a gene is if it is carrying two copies of it, or is homozygous. A single gene, or in terms of thinking about recessives, a het, may or may not pass on that gene.
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Sounds like someone needs to do a bunch more research on genetics. I know there are a ton of YouTube videos out there for Ball Python genetics. Some do a better job of explaining things than others, but that’s not to say they are wrong. The genetics basics are the same for Ball Pythons and Western Hognoses. Definitely watch more than one to make sure you get the concepts down.
The YouTube channels “Robert Barraclough (Royal Balls)” and “Green Room Pythons” have multiple genetics videos that do a pretty good job of explaining things. They both use visual aids which helps tremendously.
I don’t think Western Hognoses have allelic traits like some of the Ball Python traits, so you can ignore that information.
Ah, researching, so much fun. It’s like a hobby in and of itself.
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If I remember correctly, Snake Discovery has a video on hognose genetics so that may be a good place to start.
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Welcome to the community! I am constantly learning from all the experts who contribute here, and I watch YouTube videos on genetics. However, I just can’t seem to get morph identification right. At all, haha. You’re in the right place to ask questions- I learn a lot from all the great people who provide insight and take their time to share their expertise with those of us who are trying to learn and seeking answers.
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