The Ethics of Culling

Cullng is easy if you value the betterment of the breed more than an individual member of it.
 
Not to wander too far OT but I wanna get back to that business about culling kids. Just how do you explain when they stop showing up for school? Don't the neighbors talk? What do the grandparents say? My youngest, a teenager, is buckin' for a bettering of the breed.

Likewise, have guppies, wife will never allow anything to be euthanized outright so we just hang on 'till spring and turn 'em loose in the koi ponds.

Hmmm...I wonder if that might work with the teenager...?
 
Not to wander too far OT but I wanna get back to that business about culling kids. Just how do you explain when they stop showing up for school? Don't the neighbors talk? What do the grandparents say? My youngest, a teenager, is buckin' for a bettering of the breed.

Likewise, have guppies, wife will never allow anything to be euthanized outright so we just hang on 'till spring and turn 'em loose in the koi ponds.

Hmmm...I wonder if that might work with the teenager...?


TOO FUNNY!!!!! :evil_lol:

As for the larger issue of culling in general, I don't think there's anything wrong with is. But I compLETELY understand the inability to do it yourself. I'm fortunate...my best friend has no qualms about it. She comes over and does it for me LOL. There are many reasons to cull, too many to mention.

in this particular case, I'm not sure if I would. I have a betta that I've been struggling with as well. He's covered in tumory blobs, not attractive. Ultimately what I consider is:

Does it swim actively
Eat competitively
maintain a seemingly normal energy level
is it contagious to the rest of the tank

In Sammy's case, the answer is yes, yes, yes, no. so he's still with me, ugly as sin LOL. Some people would have done him in, and I would understand completely. But some of us are more sensitive bleeding hearts and can't stomach that.

Whatever option you choose, is the right one for you and your fish.
 
I have only had a fish die on me once. The rest of the time it just disappears and is never seen again, although there is usually a plump little fish nearby. As for culling this female i think that u should let her live and even see if her trait has some desirable affects like an extra large dorsal fin in the males or a new color in the males. If not then no harm done the poor baby guppies can be fed to larger fish if u think they should die b4 suffering, but only if they are suffering. I ask again if we can have a pic or 2 just to make sure u see this request.
 
if the back problem doesn't hurt her, then let her live. If she eats fine and acts normal, then she must be a little happy fishie. I say let her live. yeah! TuT
 
poodles (crazy), and many other animals that have severe issues in form and health.

This made me laugh, too!

However -

poodles (smart)
dalmatians (crazy leaning towards certifiably insane...)

:)

Back on topic. I have "culled". It's not easy for me at all.
 
My Oscars wish I culled guppies more often but only when space is an issue do they get a guppy snack. At that time, if the adults are still healthy and viable, I cull the fry, grow them out a little and then make guppyburgers for the Oscars.

Bent spines aren't always disease or genetic related. Sometimes it is a vitamin deficiency. Providing multiple foods helps to prevent the possibility of a lack of nutrients.
 
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