Wanting to breed enigmas

[Rerram]

I want to get a snow engima and breed it into my line. I think the engmas are gorgeous and I love the variety you can get. However, I don't want to breed animals that suffer from severe nervous system issues. Is it unethical to put down babies that are suffering from enigma syndrome in an effort to not create and sell a line that cannot take care of itself? Comments, concerns, and opinions much appreciated.

 

[rothsauce]

That is a question only you can answer for yourself.

Would you be willing to do the same if you were breeding dogs or cats? Would you even breed them if there were a chance of having animals with severe issues?

The other concern is, you don't always know when the symptoms will appear. An animal might be fine for months, even years, then develop issues seemingly out of nowhere. Do you plan on selling the hatchlings to other breeders, locally, or to a store?

 

[acpart]

I'm no expert in breeding enigmas and have decided not to do it myself. I'm guessing, based on the article that Gecko Time published, that your best chance of success is to start with enigmas that are at least 2-3 years old and have not shown any sign of the syndrome and to breed it to a non-enigma. The offspring, in my opinion, could either be sold as juvies with the understanding that they may eventually show the syndrome, or, to be completely sure, be held back until they are at least 2 years old (not a very practical proposition, I know, unless you produce very few each year or have lots of space).

Aliza

 

[Rerram]

I do not plan on producing many, I would just like to add some diversity to what I have to produce. I plan on selling locally, to a shop or two, and online if I can. I am definitely worried about the possibility of producing unstable geckos, but I have read that there are lines with minimal to no visibly signs of psychological issues. I just don't know if I want to try.

 

[rothsauce]

With any enigma there are always risks, though if you don't plan to breed many and breed them to non-enigmas then the risk probably wouldn't be that great.

 

[Kristi23]

There are always risks, so it's up to you if you want to do it or not. I have two enimgas, both just started breeding. One is still showing no signs at all. The other has started showing signs after being bred. Often times, stress can bring it on. I'm not sure that I'll breed her again. It will depend on how she ends up acting and if the babies act bad or not. I've bred enigmas in the past. I've had to put down a couple, but most others only showed mild symptoms or no symptoms. But as stated, it could take years before it happens.

Some breeders have had a lot of luck breeding fascio into the enigma gene. The one I have showing no symptoms has fascio blood. Outcrossing like that is your best bet.

 

[stager]

Discussing enigma breediing is like talking politics or religion, it can get ugly. My thoughts are you can get better results crossing w&y or fascio into your snow projects so why risk it. Will Never do it personally but I don't think less of people who do. To each his own.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

Stager puts it very well. It's like politics or religion. I too think they can be stunning and beautiful but I'll leave breeding them up to people who are okay with dealing with their issues. As I understand it all enigmas have issues that stem from the syndrome. Just some are very mild and some are severe enough to kill them by causing balance and circling issues that prevent them from eating or require being hand fed for their lives. Both Aliza and Kristi have great suggestions! Buy older adults that show minimal symptoms and outcross