Health of a silkback

[annieoakley123]

Hello!

So I have some concerns and somewhat weary of buying a silkback in the near future. I initially wanted to get a female but then learned that females are not reccomended to be bred. I then thought I could get a male instead. I want to try out breeding in over a year or two and if I get 2 babies (one silk one leather from different lines) they would then be physically ready to breed. In that time I will be in a good financial situation and have a lot of time to dedicate myself to something I truely enjoy while educating the public about beardies.

I tried to get information about silkbacks and how they age but I cant find much on them. Id never want to put my babies in danger and nor do I want to support a bad gene. But from what I read, they seem to be the same as a regular beardie. So those who dont support silkbacks you dont really have a case against this to be cruel if their owner is responsible and wants to be educated, like myself.

So far, all I am concerned with silks are their fragile skin....can males be hurt in the mating process if it were done with a leatherback? Are they prone to getting injured in their cage?

Is there anything that is important (health wise) about a silk other than the things I know already like- need to be lotioned, special care with shedding, tearing of skin if gravid.

Also- I wouldnt mind just keeping a silk as a pet even if they are not suitable for breeding. I always make sure whatever Im buying that its main cause will be to be my pet, not a baby maker.

 

[JaysDragons]

Hey Annie,

I have a Silkback that i purchased for breeding. There isn't much infomation out there about these little diamonds, but i have been recomended use a male for breeding. With there skin being the way it is, shedding can sometimes be a problem, i you Repti Shedding Aid every day to prevent any irritation (£500 for a Silkback in the UK) and dont want him to be damaged in anyway at all.

Silkbacks will become more popular and only then will they really hit the net... But i am not going to be the breeder to do the "trial and errors" and put my Dragons in any danger.

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

I say if you truly want to learn about silkback care, just get one. You have 1.5 to 2 years to worry about if you want to breed or not.
The problem I see with this method of gathering info is that EVERYONE has a system diff from everyone else. Even myself. I treat any silkback the same as my regular dragons as far as general care. If i notice a problem I have the experience to correct it or trouble shoot it. (just a side note. I havent had any problems)
Now you already know to watch and moisturize the skin. The rest your going to just have to experience.
The more research you do the more conflicting info your going to get.

 

[annieoakley123]

Thanks!

Yeah, its kinda like raising kids I guess....you dont know until you experience it. Ive done very well with my boy Chuy so if they are like regular ones I can handle it just fine. I like my enclosures very simple so I know there wont be any stupid decoration stuff in there to harm to guy. Im actually really excited for the future, I think my dream of becoming a small breeder will happen thanks to my boyfriend giving me support and letting me have so much time to dedicate myself to something I love. But, thats a while from now......just a goal to strive for.

Enough of getting off topic. I cant wait to experience one of these little guys. My bf and I will be making a bad-@ss enclosure soon and Ill work on filling it up with a few more babies LOL. I can always count on you Tom to give me very useful/helpful information! I wish we were closer and I could learn the ropes from you while cleaning beadie poop LOL :lol:

Im going to try and get 2 female leatherbacks as well. Lets see what my bf thinks about that! I gave him the hint the other day and he didnt seem against it. "We will set you up" words from the mouth of the lovely BF, what a guy! With me being out of school and working with horses full time, I will have a lot of time for babies. Birthday and graduation gifts here we come!

 

[annieoakley123]

Oh and BTW Tom, I LOVE your red trans silkback male for sale. If I had more money to spend on one I would snatch him up in a heart beat!
Very nice indeed! :wink:

 

[lynchy217]

the silkback gene combination was produced circa 2005/2006, meaning none of the silkies in existence have reached an age where they are considered "old". So we really arent sure how they age. I was reading something by a guy who claimed to breed male and female silkies together without issue, but im not sure how legit that is...I think i would be just as happy breeding 2 leatherbacks or a silkie and a leatherback..but definitely wouldnt breed a female silkie

 

[annieoakley123]

Yeah, breeding females can be done through other ways. From what I gather it sounded like artificial insemination, but that would be very interesting collecting from a male. The feamles CAN physically breed but its not advised and I hope people who have a female will take the higher road and sell/keep the girls as pets only.

 

[lynchy217]

agreed...the extra money is NOT worth risking the health of your dragon