Spike's upturned horn

[Duke]

When I left for Iraq (not fun), my Jackson had perfectly straight horns. Upon my return I found that his center, nose horn had turned up. I didn't think much about it until I noticed on one of the sites (I think FLA Chams) that they proudly declare straight horned Jacksons. My question is this: is an upturned horn a genetic thing or was he lacking in nutrition? Spike didn't get the "TLC" he would have had I been here, but my wife and son did feed, water, etc with plenty of instructions from me. ??

Duke

 

[Chase]

If anything then I would talk to Mike. His site does say straight horned Jacksons. I'm just waiting for Deremensis's to come in so I can start breeding.

 

[Kent67]

Hi Duke, this is an interesting question that I would be interested to hear responses from some other old timers on. First, to answer your question I'm sure the cause could be either or a combination. But, it has been my observation over the last 15 years or so that these Hawai'ian Jackson's have a much higher rate of not straight horns now than they used to. I've assumed it's due to the rather small number of animals that founded those colonies. Anyone else notice the same?

 

[Kent67]

On second thought, I think your animal's upturned horn must be a genetic thing. Much like other animal species, humans included, times of nutritional hardships during growth that show physical evidence, such as dental hypoplasias, would be seen systemically. In other words, your animal's two straight horns would also show development problems if nutrition/lights/care were the cause.

 

[Duke]

I bought Spike from Blue Beast Reptiles in Vegas. He had acquired him from a show (in Chicago I believe) and did not have background knowledge of his parents.

In the pic I attached, it may be noteworthy to note that his horn had been straight and then took an immediate and sudden turn to the north vs a gradual curve. I was thinking that this would possibly imply something deficient in nutrition, but am not sure.

 

[dectr6]

BTW Duke, Thank you for your service! We are indebted to you. David

 

[Jordan]

The horns are actually skin. A little curve is normal. It is actually more normal then completely straight horns. If you look at enough pictures of veileds you will see alot of them have some sort of casque uniqueness.

In severe cases of horn deformities they can be cut back. Say if the horn was curving sideways and obstructing forward view. They will grow back. I have only seen one that had this done. I really do not know if they grow back to their full potential. I would think so given enough time.

My jackson's horn looked similar to yours not quite as curved. Over some more time the curve became less noticable because the horn got longer.

I would not worry about it unless it is effecting his health.

 

[Justin Carl]

are they soft enough to be bent? say he fell on his head and it caused the horn to bend.

 

[Jordan]

No they are pretty hard. They do almost feel like bone or something.

Jackson males actually fight each other with them. They do this over mates and branches. They lock horns and try to throw the other one off. Very funny to see. I try and see if I can find that clip.

 

[Justin Carl]

oh i have seen it before. they were jousting, i think it is on youtube if i'm not mistaken. ok, i didnt know they were hard. that would have been my guess, but if the did bend i thought they might be soft.

here is a fighting link. kind of cruel that a person would make them do it

http://youtube.com/watch?v=iWUeNo-YMLw

 

[DrewNYC]

i would say it is genetic, i have raised baby jacksonii jacksonii from birth and both males and females (that i have each have 3 horns, since the mother also has 3 horns) and some are as straight as a pin and some show alittle curve but one has 2 preocular straight horns and the rostral horn curves completely towards the sky.
by the way, i would also like to thank you Duke for your service!!!

drew