Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I picked this little girl up a few months ago in a trio, Her siblings where simular, but she had the most color in her saddles. I have been reading and looking at the pictures of what other people call "Pastels" I am with Jeremy Stone in wondering what people are classifing as a "Pastel"
A reduction in black on the saddles, to Look at this pastel that is a Hypo also, to everything in between, It seems everyone has thier own opinion on what is a pastel" Just for fun I thought I would post this pic and see what You thought???

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"Life is a Safari"

No disrespect intended. Just my honest...blunt answer.
I would consider that to be a lower to mid range pastel.
Here's what I look for when I am looking for a pastel.

And, for the sake of the examle...I'm only talking about "normals". No Anerys....Etc.
1) Overall look. Speckling/black??? How light is the animal? How much contrast does the animal have?
2) Side medallions. Are they faint....Or, dark??? Do they have low/medium/high degree of black within it?
3)The belly. Is the speckling/black? Again, low/medium/high.
4)The side of the tail. Where the tail bands are. Is the speckling/black? Again, low/medium/high.
5)The tail. How bright and vivid is the tail? Does the color of the tail seem to be "worn away"?
6)Saddles. Are they tan. How much black is there? low/medium/high.
7)I will even look at the "moustache". Is it all there? Or, does it appear to be smaller than normal. We've all heard this technique talked about with hypos.
8)Color. Now this has nothing to do with an animal being a pastel...But, I want it all!!
I am sure I can think of more....But, I'm tired.
So it really is an overall reduction of black. And, there are many variables to it. It can't be helped unfortunately. So, I look at all these things and then think to myself....This animal will darken with age.....Will this be a light or dark adult?

Now, back to yours.
1)Look pretty clean for the most part.
2)From what I can see...A little black...Not much.
3)Not available.
4)Looks pretty good from what I can see.
5)Pretty nice tail. It does seem a little worn away in places.
6)Look to be tan with a little black in them.
7)Not available.
8)I see some color. But, I also see it on the aspen bedding as well. So, I'm not sure what the true color is completly. It looks like it will tan out as an adult.

And, again no disrespect intended here at all. To me, this would be a starter pastel. If you want to start a new line this would be a good one to start with. Find another one that matches all the critera....And, then selectively breed these animals to create a new pastel bloodline.
Personally, I'm lazy. I don't want to....Or want to give the time for something like this. I don't like to reinvent the wheel. I would rather keep my eyes peeled for a great looking pastel which I know will create better looking babies. And, isn't that what we all want? (For the most part) Nice looking adults and babies that will surpass the parents.

So, let me reiderate. I'm not trying to down your animal. I think it's nice. You wanted an opinion. I gave you mine.
This is not the "Pastel" law. This is just what I think and look for when I am looking for a pastel.
My 10 cents.
Happy Holidays,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Your opinion is greatly respected, I have seen so many pictures, I thought I would post mine again, and get some feedback. Thanks and I believe what you say, your guidlines seem to be right on when explaining what a true "pastel is". THanks again and happy holiday.
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"Life is a Safari"

>>Your opinion is greatly respected, I have seen so many pictures, I thought I would post mine again, and get some feedback. Thanks and I believe what you say, your guidlines seem to be right on when explaining what a true "pastel is". THanks again and happy holiday.
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>>"Life is a Safari"
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."

Actually, its the first time I've heard someone mention the washed out effect. I've read Ronne's description of this line but I don't think he covers that particular feature. IMO, as with other reptile species, Pastel should imply some faded coloration.. making the animal appear to be in a shedded state. Producing an overall softer coloration. That little one you posted the other day is killer. I would have to say that Davey Glitner has some of the best pastels around.. they fit the archetypical mold laid out by Ronne along with a top coat color that abides the literal meaning of pastel very well. I'll have to take a few shots of my Pastel wanna-bes today and get a little feedback since were all on a pastel kick. This girl below if the boa that I coined Pyre for, she has most of the traits of a pastel, including high color, her weakest area is probably a moderate amount of speckling. The female that produced this girl was bred to a hypo this season... she's due to pop in about 35 days.. I'm getting very anxious to see the results.
Later-
Matt Schubarth

The tail washing is my thing. It has never been officially entered into the definition of a pastel. It's just another thing I look for when I look for Pastels. Thanks for catching that.

"Pastel should imply some faded coloration".
I get what you are talking about here...But, coloration does not make a pastel. It is not in the original definition of what one is. And, to have the "pastel" definition changed would really make this issue even more opaque. But, I get what you mean. When you wrote that I immediatly though of the "ghost balls".

Best of luck with that girl. She is killer looking. And, I'm sure the babies will just be amazing!
Take care,
John
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"To be the best..........You must lose your mind."