Important Terms/Info

Culling is the removal of an animal from a breeding program. Here at Swamp Witch Exotics we do practice culling and view it as fundamental to ethical breeding as it helps prevent unwanted traits/faults/or genes from entering our lines. Culling can mean different things as there are different types each having their own methods and proper research on the topic is necessary. Below is information on these types and methods:

Hard Cull:  Hard culling usually means euthanasia which is carried out using various methods. If a breeder chooses to hard cull, remaining ethical and humane is still necessary factors to keep in mind when determining which method they will choose to employ.

Soft Cull:  Soft culling an animal from a program allows a breeder with more "wiggle room" so to speak and can mean a few different things. A soft cull could mean pet placement if the animals simply is not suited for breeding overall, Placement in another program is an option for animals that don't fit within a breeder's personal needs as a breeder, or a number of things that don't involve euthanasia. 

Links: We've included a few links to aid in independent research! 

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4929555/

• https://www.hiiret.fi/eng/breeding/?pg=2&sub=7

• https://www.afrma.org/brdstf_cull.htm