Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It's always interesting to see how coloration changes as thayeri grow. This male (produced here from VR-strain parents) is developing quite nicely, though I'm not sure I could have predicted just how things would unfold. First pic is at about 1 month of age (last August); second pic is from today (8 months old).

Enjoy!

Bob

It's pretty dramatic how his saddle centers opened up. With his severely reduced black borders it makes for a quite impressive look. I can see hints of the light-centered saddle trait in him in the hatchling photo.

And yes, it's very interesting to see the changes that take place with thayeri, during their first year of life particularly. I suppose this is why I have bought and raised so many babies, I enjoy raising these little guys and watching them develop as much as I do breeding the adults and watching the babies emerge from the egg. I've only produced and raised a few clutches of kingsnakes here and have already experienced how difficult it is to offer any of them at an early age for this very reason. I have often thought that I would be one to not offer many offspring until at least the following spring, or later at the yearling stage. I am more and more inclined to continue on with that game plan so I guess I had better keep building racks and buy that bigger mouse freezer!

Thanks for sharing the photos of that handsome young male!

Mike

Nice pics Bob.

From infant to toddler and quite an impressive change. I would have guessed from the first photo that he'd develop more of a buckskin base color. I love that creamy yellow and the faded orange saddles really make for an interesting looking retro thayeri.

Keep those pics coming.
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Vichris

Vichris Variables

Mike & Chris:

Thanks for the nice comments. Mike, it would indeed be nice to hold back a large group for their first year to photo-document color changes, as they can be dramatic. Alas, there's just no more room at the inn, and this guy's looking for a new home. And I know there are a couple of last year's babies that I should have held onto, as they are growing into real killers. But I'm sure this season will bring a nice crop of new looks.

Cheers,

Bob

Almost Chameleon like with there colours arnt they, your male is looking crisp and im sure he will get even crisper.

Love em
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************* Oh no its Me again *************

Great snake Bob. Reminds me of the one at the top of this forum.........mike
Chris' Colubrids

Mike:

He dreams of growing up to look like your icon snake up top!

Bob

His owner dreams those dreams. LOL (Come to think of it, so do I.)
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Vichris

Vichris Variables

its great to see a beautifull king grow into an even more beautifull king.