Hey- I'm not a Leopard keeper, but don't they grow to a very large size? Do you think they'll live when they're both huge? I've never seen turtles or tortoises joined like that. Seems like they would be interesting to keep though. Thanks. Brooks
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What do you think about the siamese twin Leopards on the classifieds?
cod6545
Oct 11, 2003 10:27 PM
Replies (4)
mayday
Oct 12, 2003 05:46 AM
I think they should be euthanized. They are severely handicapped
and clearly will never have a normal life. Also, because they appear to lay on their sides they will never develop normally either.
While it is sad to see and I feel bad for them, deformed turtles and tortoises SHOULD NOT be sold for high prices or as 'one of a kind' novelties. This is just my opinion of course but I can't help but feel irritated when I see such animals being sold as if they are something desirable.
Matt J
Oct 12, 2003 06:19 AM
>>I think they should be euthanized.
I agree. Why? It's clear they have good growth, but I'm unsure how that is accomplished without handfeeding or literally pushing one down into cage substrate so the other can eat. As they grow older it's obvious that their location around the attachment will create a serious problem. I don't think it's completely out of the question for them to literally 'break' apart when too heavy. What a horrible thought...
Matt
p.s. - Sorry I have not gotten back to you in some time Mayday... been busy and got side tracked.
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"Change what you cannot accept... do not accept what you can't change!"
Tod Ashley C.$.C.
sonodog
Oct 12, 2003 08:53 AM
I agree. It is hard to tell from the pics, but it might not be that big a deal to have a good veterinary surgeon seperate them. The shells could be fiberglassed over untill it fills in as they grow. At any rate it would be better to try that that wait till they died on their own. It doesent sound like the owner has their well being in mind over his wallet. A 2 headed reptile could be a novelty for some, but these two are headed for disaster.
Sohni
Oct 12, 2003 10:45 AM
I'm just guessing, but it looks as though they are probably sharing at least part, if not all, of their digestive tract. I doubt successful separation is possible. Anyway, a separated Leopard Tort is just a Leopard Tort--there goes his $2800. I don't think he's been keeping those poor guys around because he feels sorry for them. I agree, if they can't function normally (i.e., without major, constant intervention), they should be euthanized. Keeping an animal alive so you can sell it as a novelty or rarity is just wrong.
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Sohni
(aka Jeannie, but other people have similar names, too confusing, so I switched)
0.1 Baja de L.A. Rosy Boa (Bella)
0.1 Okeetee Corn Snake (Bess)
1.1 Rubber Boas (Esther & Isaiah)
1.0 Leopard Gecko (George)
0.0.1 Hermann's Tortoise (Moxie)
2.0 Adopted DSH Cats (Amos & Silas)
1.0 Rescued English Springer Spaniel (Jimmy)
and...
2.0 Kids (Riley & Noah) w/ 0.0.1 California King
Snake (Rex), 1.0 Mexican Rosy Boa (Lucas), 0.1
Leopard Gecko (Geico)
1.0 Husband (no pets, just us, lol)
