The Blue Cat Projects

Background: One of the best things about breeding cornsnakes is how the community has pooled its knowledge. For an overview of genetics and what we know so far, I recommend Charles Pritzel's book The Corn Morph Guide, available on his website. You can also go through the online tutorial there.

Early in my own cornsnake education, I decided to do more than just breed corns. I wanted to learn something. I wanted to contribute to this fascinating hobby, too. Several breeders coordinate their project data and provide it to Mr. Pritzel so he can keep the Morph Guide up to date.

Colors and patterns in cornsnakes are generally controlled at various gene locations. This explains why two differently colored snakes can produce offspring in a variety of colors, including normal. Similar colors (i.e., grayish snakes with black saddles) can be expressing either of two completely separate genes. Sometimes, two different genes express themselves equally (more or less) to produce offspring that show a "blending" of both colors. For example, snow corns (like Zoose) have pink eyes and no black from their amelanistic heritage and no red from their anerythristic heritage.

Again, for a more thorough understanding, I recommend either the Guide or a visit to the tutorial. For now, the button at the end will take you to Blue Cat's projects.

Breeder #300
e-mail Nancy or Mike: bluecatcornsnakes(at)gmail-dot-com