Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For those of you who have taken care of baby southerns before, do you know how long it usually takes them to first shed? My babies are about 15 days old now and I don't think they have shed yet, unless their skin comes off in pieces as babies.

Also, does anyone know if the patterns and colors on all babies born in the same clutch are the same? Are all my babies most likely going to be clones of one another, or will they all start to develop different colors and possibly patterns?

I've observed a variety of patterns within a clutch. The patterns will develop and differentiate most markedly during the first couple of years. A lot of babies will show small black spots along the back, these will usually develop dark banding, those without the spots may not develop the banding or develop less extensive banding, you may also get some that develop faint patches of color which usually continue to grow and intensify.

If I recall correctly, it takes several weeks to a month before the first shed, it will come off in one piece and right before the shed you'll see the lizard get a lot darker (when you see this, make sure to mist regularly so that they can get it off). Unlike snakes, they will eat before their first shed so give them lots of food

-Alice

Thanks for the reply. It's going to be hard for me to get rid of these little guys. I want to see them all grow and change colors and patterns. I'm going to have to make a decision really soon on which ones I want to keep. I think I'll choose two babies that differ from one another, to have variety.