How to contribute

***Needed: Ball python sheds***

The Ball Python Genetics Project uses shed snake skin as a source of DNA. We are looking for owners and breeders of ball pythons to contribute sheds to this project. We need sheds from all types of animals, including normals, single genes, hets, possible hets, and combos.

How to contribute a shed from your animal:

  1. Allow the shed to fully dry. (Wet sheds can rot, which destroys the DNA.)

  2. Place the shed in small plastic bag (e.g. sandwich size or snack size).

  3. Label the bag with the animal's morph and name/ID (and sex, if known).

  4. If you are requesting a genetic test, label the bag with your test request.

  5. Include your email address in the shipment.

  6. Mail using standard mail service to the address below. No need to pay extra for faster shipping.

Hannah Seidel

441 Mark Jefferson Science Complex

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Notes:

  1. We only need one shed per animal.

  2. It's okay if the shed is torn or incomplete.

  3. Sheds can be stored for months without loss of quality, as long as they are stored fully dry. Thus, you can save up sheds from multiple animals and send them all at once, if that's most convenient.

  4. If you are sending sheds from related animals, such as parents and offspring, please indicate these relationships in the shipment.

  5. Optional but recommended: Please email a photo of your animal to hseidel@emich.edu. Photos help us confirm the color morph.