Reptile & Amphibian Forums

You know... I kinda get frustrated when individuals sell new born hatchling leopards for an outrageous price claiming them to be "blonde". They often place them next to an older sibling that has began to darken in coloration to show you the difference . In my experience w/ breeding leopards, I have found that all new hatchlings are this lite color and that they will all darken w/ age/sunlight, etc. Coloration doesn't manifest til at least 4-6 months and afterwhich, they can develop high yellow/white coloration. But I have doubts that this is "blonde/white/yellow" coloration in leopards is truly genetic but likely more a product of captive born husbandry and perhaps lack of constant sunlight/age/wear and tear. What are the thoughts of other individuals. Below is a pic of what I consider a normal coloration of one my CBB hatchlings. Some may say "blonde", butI don't. Take care. Binh

Ironicaly enough I used to think it was environmental but now think it is a combination of both. I have a light animal that I thought would throw dark rings when placed out doors... not so.
I've got 2 hatchlings that are being raised warm and damp which I thought was a cause for the light pigment... they are black as coal.
I don't know anymore.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

But nobody listens. Maybe it's just me.........?

I couldn't agree more. Two adult males that I got on breeding loan years go had been raised in Virginia--mostly in a lit basement. They were both very pale and 'blond' looking. After two years in my yard in south Florida both had thick, jet black bands of new growth. The overall color had darkened considerably too.

...would they be joining the SS...in Russia?

.... or madagKssKKar?....

AMEN!!!!!!!!! I made a similiar statement to a breeder online once.. "..we can make them look like we want, they do hatch white of course".. I wonder why I didn't hear back?????????

Email me.. I'll send you a pic of mine!

Thanks, Terry