Discussion...Our Sunkissed Genes (Stargazer/Sfactor gene)

[HanneysCorns]

The internet is a powerful tool.

Since posting pics of some of our corns who have sunkissed genes, replying to a thread in regards to 'bobble head ball pythons' in another forum, and of course replying here to posts in The Stargazer Project thread, I have received many inquiries about exactly what our plans are for our Sunkissed genes here.

I would like to set the record straight and also save myself the time answering these inquiries and having to compose email replies each time this question is asked of me.

We presently have 5 corns in our collection who have sunkissed genes, or possible sunkissed genes. When these corns, as hatchlings were added to our collection our plans for projects got us very excited. We are still very excited about these projects and the possibility of combining these genes with other morphs in our collection. We have simply decided that until such time that we can with 100% assurity know that these particular hatchlings do NOT carry the 'factor S' gene, we will not be introducing this gene into any of our breeding projects. Yes, my dreams of producing Sunkissed Lavenders, Sunkissed Caramels and many other double homo morphs with the sunkissed gene are presently quashed, but I believe that I have a moral obligation to myself.

I don't want to spend years on a project that involves both selective and line breeding, only to find that in an F2, F3 or F4 generation that I am presented with a 'gazer'. I simply want to know my present stock is clean...and that means more to me than being able to perhaps be the 'first' in Canada.

Since there are not a lot of sunkissed genes presently in Canada, my feeling is I can 'nip this in the bud' stage. I can only be responsible for my own stock. I will not stand upon a soapbox and preach.

I have chosen to heed the 'messenger's' warning. Arrangements have been made to ensure we will have testing corns here by the summer. This in itself will be a long term project as these corns must mature, be bred to each other to determine which of those do in fact carry the 'S factor' and then my present stock will need to be bred back to known carriers. Yes, it seems like a long and tedious road to travel, but it is something I feel is of utmost importance if I wish to one day hatch that Sunkissed Lav or Caramel.

I want to personally thank Dr. Connie Hurley, D.V.M. for her guidance and patience with answering all my questions. Her work so far on The Stargazer Project has been an inspiration to me.

I am sorry to disappoint those of you who were hoping to add sunkissed genes into your lines from our stock in the next few years. Once our stock has been proven 'S factor' free, we will be continuing on with the projects.

Patience is a virtue, and it has never been more obvious to me than now.

Ruth