I have been seeing, more and more, morph crosses for sale. As a graduating college student who studied genetics, and repro, I find leopard geckos' genetics very interesting. Basically I would like to hear peoples opinions on mixing different morphs and why they do it. I have seen the results of some crosses on this form called "freak" etc. What is your view on mixing, which not to do:main_thumbsdown:, which to do:main_thumbsup:?
To mix morphs or not?
- Thread starter russe306
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BrilliantEraser
Bookworm!
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What do you mean about mixing morphs? Do you mean something like a RAPTOR, which is the sum of multiple individual morphs mixed together? Or do you mean something like crossing two different strains of albinos?
Shaneab408
New Member
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Most enigma + enigma have problems so I wouldn't breed them but a lot of the crosses are fine and look great. I heard that you shouldnt breed the albino strains together because it would confuse the gene pool but I think the babies would be healthy.
T-ReXx
Uroplatus Fanatic
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The only major issue with morph mixing is crossing the three albino lines as it creates a genetic mess. There are some purists who feel the same about the snow lines, but the albinos are the only real generally agreed upon no-no, and it's a big one.
roger
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there is a lot of threads about this topic.It creates leo "mutts"
Dragoon Gecko
Active Member
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Genetically seen, if you keep all the gecko morphs & lines "pure", you will at some point inbreed too much and your line will most probably sooner or later collapse.
Therefore, outcrossing is needed from time to time- at least in traits that are not (co) dominant. In our stock, we do outcrossing regularly, as our main goal lies in strong and healthy offspring. BUT we carefully select the animals we do outcrossing with, and we always keep in mind what the typical characteristics of each morph are, and in which direction our line should be going. Therefore, every pairing is made on paper first.
Anyway this is the system that works for us. I am sure there are other ways & opinions though..
Generally speaking: You should know what you are doing- whether you do crossing morphs or not.
/Rebecca
Therefore, outcrossing is needed from time to time- at least in traits that are not (co) dominant. In our stock, we do outcrossing regularly, as our main goal lies in strong and healthy offspring. BUT we carefully select the animals we do outcrossing with, and we always keep in mind what the typical characteristics of each morph are, and in which direction our line should be going. Therefore, every pairing is made on paper first.
Anyway this is the system that works for us. I am sure there are other ways & opinions though..
Generally speaking: You should know what you are doing- whether you do crossing morphs or not.
/Rebecca
Last edited:
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