In this litter there were a number of expected hurdles that we had to deal with. The first being the stability of the Super Aztecs. While early on, it appears that the neurological issue that causes the infamous “Head Wobble” is prevalent in all of the Super babies. However, there are some differences in the degree of neurological disturbance in each of the morphs.
Starting with the two “normal” coloration babies. It is noted that these babies tend to exhibit an advanced stage of instability. Most notable when excited or in fight mode. We do not believe that this will improve and may result in an early demise. It should also be noted that both have taken their first meal within a week of their first shed.
L121-26 Male Super Aztec
L121-27 Female Super Aztec
Moving onto the Carbon Super Aztec. There was only one produced in this litter. The neurological instability in this female was not as extreme as the normal Supers, but like those, it was most noticeable when excited. It has yet take its first meal at the time of this writeup. A side note on this girl; we had a spitting image of her pop up in a litter back in 2016 that was a result of parthenogenesis. That animal behaved in much the same manner and stopped eating after 6 months, and quickly died thereafter.
L121-25 Female Carbon Super Aztec
Next is a VPI T+ Super Aztec female. Of all the Supers, she exhibited the most extreme case of neurological instability. She has not taken her first meal yet and it is unknown if she will. She is otherwise a beautiful animal with a solid build. There is also an issue with one or both of the eyes in all the visual Albinos that will be addressed in the next section.
L121-24 Female VPI T+ Super Aztec
Last are the two Carbon Snow Super Aztecs. Both were male and had a very similar look. These two also seem to have the least amount of neurological instability, often behaving normally. Also, neither has taken their first meal.
L121-22 Male Super Aztec Carbon Snow
L121-23 Male Super Aztec Carbon Snow
Bulging eye issues arose with all the visual albinos in either one, for both eyes. We had hoped that this would not be the case as neither parent was a visual albino. We experienced this before and treated the eyes using an antibacterial ointment. We were able to save a few of the eyes from being lost during their first shed, and believe we managed to save their sight as well. Unfortunately at that time, we were not familiar or prepared for this dilemma, and did not administer treatment until after a week of them being born.
In the case of this latest litter, we had the medication on hand and administered it immediately. **Please note that we do not intend to instruct, nor prescribe treatment to anyone that might be experiencing a similar situation, so the details will be left out. We always urge consulting a vet for any treatment.** It appears, in this case, that all of the eyes have been saved. We will not know the fate of their vision until they have had a few more sheds.
We will continue to update their progress here, as they occur in the name of furthering study and transparency, and we thank you for your concern.
The remainder of the litter consisted of Normal and Aztecs that are all 66% Het for VPI and Carbon as well as Normal and Aztec Carbons.
Thank you!