Extra digit

[imbrad2003]

Hi, I just wanted to know if it is normal for a leopard gecko to have an extra digit on its front paw. I got a paternless albino male a few shows ago and I didnt notice it until I got home and checked him out a little closer. Should I keep him out of breeding? Is this a trait of an overly inbred animal? I dont know.

 

[Stevie]

So the animal we're talking about has 6 digits? Well, it's a trait that's not unknown to humans either... I think you can use the animal for breeding purposes with no problems. If the animal doesn't suffer from the trait that is!

Greets,

Stevie

 

[goReptiles]

I'm not sure whether the trait is from inbred or overbred reptiles, I'd wait for someone with a ton of experience. But I'd say the trait is not a desireable one, and wouldn't breed the gecko. I'd think that you pose the risk of passing the trait to offspring.

 

[Stevie]

But if the trait isn't a bad one, why wouldn't you breed with the gecko? You wouldn't say to a person with six digits to not have children would you? Deformities of digits often is caused by a (coincidental) mutation of a single kind of gene. Probably the ofspring of this gecko will have normal limb formation. If not, this could be a nice discovery...

Greets,

Stevie

 

[syntheticreality]

maybe you can eventually breed 30 fingered geckos

 

[goReptiles]

But if the trait isn't a bad one, why wouldn't you breed with the gecko? You wouldn't say to a person with six digits to not have children would you? Deformities of digits often is caused by a (coincidental) mutation of a single kind of gene. Probably the ofspring of this gecko will have normal limb formation. If not, this could be a nice discovery...

This really is completely different than people having children. I wouldn't tell a person with 6 fingers not to have a kid, but I certainly wouldn't breed a gecko with an extra digit. To me (my opinion) it's an undesireable trait that I wouldn't passed on to hatchlings. Even the possibility of the passing the trait is enough for me not to breed the gecko.

 

[malt_geckos]

no, polydactyly ( I think it's recessive) is not a normal thing for leos to have....and I would never breed an animal with it. Although it's not harmful, they just look strange.

 

[lepgeckosrock]

I don't know if it is different with a gecko than a cat but we had a cat that was called a mitten kitten because of having a extra toe on her front paws she had 4 litters of kittens and not a single one had this.Even if it did pass it on to offspring it may not be worth as much money (or maybe worth more) but that wouldn't stop it from making someone who wants a gecko as a pet and not to breed a wonderful pet.Of course this is only my opinion. When I got my first one it was a rescue and as long as it was healthy that was all I cared about I worked with it and now it is a friendly pet.

 

[Greyscale_Geckos]

Normally extra digits are a sign of congenital problems.

For the sake of keeping your line free of deformities, I would not breed the animal. No one really desires a gecko that has congenital deformities in its background, so it would probably be best to remove the animal from your stock as a breeder.

That's not to say that the fellow can't make a charming pet, though.

---
Edit: I also forgot to mention that polydactyly is normally accompanied by other mutated genes. However, most of these mutated genes are not apparent, but they could become apparent if the animal is bred to another animal who is genetically similar as well.

In other words, if you chose to breed this animal, you would be passing on unwanted mutated genes. These genes would corrupt other breeder's lines if you sold the offspring of this animal. Part of being a responsible breeder is recognizing that undesirable traits should be kept out of the lines. Most breeders "cull" (aka remove) geckos with bad genetics from their lines. Not only for their own line's benefits, but for the benefit of those who buy geckos from their line as well.

 

[david13]

I probably wouldnt breed him beacuse soon your gunna start getting deformities all over the place (maybe)

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I was born with 6 toes on my right foot. In ancient Ireland, girl babies that were born with with red hair and a 6th digit were considered to have supernatural powers, and were usually worshipped as demi-goddesses. LOL!

As far as a 6th toe on a leopard gecko, I wouldn't even worry about it.

 

[malt_geckos]

we studied polydactyly (more fingers and toes than normal) It's the same in all animals. It is a recessive trait that is passed on when two parents carry the gene. Inbreeding animals makes this trait even more common since the offspring are more likely to carry the trait and exhibit it.

I would say to not breed it. Since that's is making all of the offspring heterozygous for the polydactyly trait.

 

[imbrad2003]

lots of information to take in, I bought him originally as a breeder, he is still young and needs to gain size, I will probably hold him out from my breeding project being that the female I was going to breed him to was from the same father. I started this thread to find out whether or not the trait, if passed on would be undesirable. In general that is what I am getting from the responses.

 

[Stevie]

Undesirable trait? I think the red eyes in R.A.P.T.OR will cause more inconvenience for the animal than 6 toes. But hey...that's just my opinion! And since you didn't notice it until now, shows clearly to me how obvious the trait is. As for that, I think most people are a bit overreacting to this trait. When it's linked to congenital (as stated earlier) or gastrointestinal problems however, than the trait would be definitely undesirable!

Greets,

Stevie

 

[Kotsay1414]

I want to see a picture!

 

[fallen_angel]

I was born with 6 toes on my right foot. In ancient Ireland, girl babies that were born with with red hair and a 6th digit were considered to have supernatural powers, and were usually worshipped as demi-goddesses. LOL!

That is awesome!! you're basically a goddess of geckos, though!! maybe it is your supernatural powers

 

[fallen_angel]

I want to see a picture!

I second that.



I understand why some people wouldn't want to breed this animal, but I think Stevie has a lot of good points.

 

[david13]

I would like to see a pic too please

 

[Rejoice in the Lord]

I think that so long as you are open about the genetics of the offspring, and there are no other problems resulting that breeding him could be an interesting experience. You could give him a name like Toes, or Goliath, or name him after our MOGL.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

"Undesirable" is subjective. A lot of people think that albinism is an undesireable genetic trait.

I guess my kids are 'het' for six toes!!!