| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:13:44
(Note this post is best viewed in threaded layout, where available.)
At long last, Living Gems Reptiles is thrilled to profile the babies from its 2011 breeding year. The 17 youngsters in this litter, our first ever, were born on September 14, the result of a pairing between Hills, a brilliant orange male estimated to be born in late 2006:
And Alexandrite, a pretty October 2007 female:
Alex was named, as with all Living Gems females, for a pretty gemstone. She is alive and well. Hills was named for the legendary New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary (1919-2008), in honor of this snake’s love of climbing: Hills would always break for my head the first chance he got, and end up wrapped around the top of it. He unfortunately passed away in August of last year, just before the litter was born, and slightly before we went on a sales hold to resolve the events described in the “Beating a Misdiagnosis” thread.
The litter contains nine males and eight females. Initial sexing was done by me, and then confirmed by a local professional.
Behavior-wise, this litter is full of personality. We’ve done dozens of handling sessions for each baby, part of our commitment to start acclimating them to humans, and -- as with most baby Brazilians -- they missed no chances in the first few sessions to show their outsized bravery. There’s something both impressive and funny about watching 33 grams of fury trying to tell your hand who is boss. ;-) As time has passed, every one has calmed to the point where I get no more than one nip per session across all 17 -- from whomever is feeling cranky that particular day. All of them have learned to tolerate a camera, and if they react at all, regard it as a climbing aide.
Physically, I’m very happy with the litter. For color, their father Hills definitely left his mark: the entire set is above average, with many *well* above, and an unusually high percentage of potential stunners. Their dorsal ovals all have a slight “blushing” effect where the color gets slightly darker in the center. For pattern, they all have at least one linked dorsal, where one spot has “joined” with its neighbor to form a longer chain. Their side circles are almost exclusively traditional crescents -- nothing like a clean classic look! -- with from zero to three solid black (“eclipse”) and up to three merged spots per baby. Several babies have no departures at all. On about half of the litter, there are small black markings on the back -- another legacy from their father, almost like an official “trademark” pattern for the line that hints of aberrancy -- and/or some faint “bonus black dots” showing among the side crescents.
Health-wise, all have now shed five or six times, eaten at least twenty times, and had multiple “confirmations” their digestion is properly working. They have been growing like little weeds: according to my monthly weigh-ins, their last check showed the *average* baby had tripled its weight in the seven months since their birth, and is running about a month ahead of the average growth rate for baby Brazilians…all of which proves that a small, high-quality collection focused on top care has its benefits for customers.
As has been outlined in previous posts, all of these babies come from a disease-tested facility, and Mom’s test results are available upon request.
Over the following posts, I will share a description and several pictures of each baby in the litter in order to give you an idea how they act and look, as well as any behavioral or physical quirks.
So grab a cup of your favorite brew, sit back, relax, and enjoy! |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 21:22:17
Thank you! I've gotten it down to about three of each gender as finalists...but then I walk by and see another one and wonder what I was thinking. ;-) |
| Blackcat |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 16:25:43
Wow - some stunning babies, I'm a beginner so no help in which to keep, they are all gorgeous to me :)
So pleased Hills managed to pass his genes on to these little ones before his untimely demise. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:26:21
Partly because last year was a tough one, and partly because this litter turned out so well, I will be holding back four babies in total. Two are more or less decided, and the second two are proving to be tough calls. Suggestions are welcome.
Please note that as Hills passed way earlier this year, these 17 little ones will be the sole genetic legacy to his gorgeous color and unusual black back patterning. Rest in peace, buddy -- you done good, and through these little ones your legacy will live on.
Thank you, as always, for reading. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:25:36
B-17 (Male)
This guy was one of two final babies I found after everyone else was long put away, carefully hiding under the newspaper. Even then, he was fairly mellow, and that has not changed as he aged. Interestingly, he is the only baby in the litter that likes to hang out at the very front of his drawer, something he does almost all the time (and it is not due to temps -- I’ve checked!).
Physically, this little one has several unique traits. On his back, he has two linked chains of two spots. On his right side, he has three departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, all eclipses (one is an “almost”). On his left side, he also has three departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, two eclipses and one merged dot.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, just after I discovered him as the last holdout hidden away under the newspaper in Mom's viv. The second is a (slightly) later shot, after he was placed in his own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot, a rear/side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot. His neck is craned up in most of them because I had just removed the photo bowl, and he froze to “hide” from me.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a raised/front shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 31 grams to 90 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:25:06
B-16 (Male)
This guy was one of two final babies I found after everyone else was long put away, carefully hiding under the newspaper. He is a very active snake, and would not sit still during the pattern inspection.
Physically, this little one has several unique traits. On his back, he has three linked chains: one three spots, one two or three spots (depending how you count), and one two spots. On his left side, he has a 100% crescent pattern. On his right side, he has three departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, one merged dot and two tiny bonus pearls (the only ones in the litter). His crescents, I should add, are some of the boldest in the litter.
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot and a top shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 32 grams to 89 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:24:32
B-15 (Male)
This little dude is the spunkiest member of his litter, and apparently the athlete of the group, too. I found him near the end of initial sorting, swimming merrily away in the almost-empty water bowl long after everyone else had moved on. He rewarded his rescuer by promptly sinking his baby teeth into the nearest finger. He is also the only member who ever successfully “escaped,” by deciding to make a mad dash for freedom -- he boiled up and out of drawer and to the floor three feet below before I could react. (It was the world’s shortest jailbreak.) These days, he is much calmer but still roguish: he tried another dash for freedom the night of the pattern inspection, but got caught en route; during the December weigh-in, he tried a nip, and used his tail to grab the counter-top in another attempt at escape; during several recent cleaning sessions, his baby vision locked in on my quick-moving cleaning fingers, and attempted baby wrath followed. His attitude is very much “why be held when you can explore?”
Physically, he has several unique traits. He has a light-colored head, which can be an indicator of good things to come. On his back, he has four linked chains of two spots. On his left side, he has a 100% crescent pattern. On his right side, he has one departure from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, an eclipse.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, and caught him swimming away in Mom’s water bowl. The second is a (slightly) later shot, after he was placed in his own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 33 grams to 96 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:24:01
B-14 (Female)
This was one of the last few babies I found. She was coiled off to the side, right on the heat, wedged between the now-empty hide and the wall. She seemed rather surprised when I moved the hide to grab her. (“Wait, you can move that thing?”) Over time, she has shown herself to be a real sweetheart, and is one of the calmest babies in this litter.
Physically, she has several unique traits. She has a lighter-colored head, which can be an indicator of good things to come. On her back, she has two linked chains of two spots. On her sides, she has a 100% crescent pattern -- a clean, classic look all the way. Finally, she has a bonus black dot on her right side around mid-body.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, and was shot just after her Mom's hide was moved away from the wall, thus exposing her chosen hiding place. The second is a (slightly) later shot, after she was placed in her own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a right/rear shot, a left/rear shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot (after she finally turned around for me).
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a raised/side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 34 grams to 86 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:23:19
B-13 (Female)
This girl was probably the calmest member of her litter for a long time, not biting me a single time, even on sexing day…right up until the night I typed this sentence. Since then, she has shown more attitude -- she wins the litter’s “most likely to nip when being picked up” award -- but is still a total sweetheart once you do.
Physically, she has several unique traits. On her back, she has thick border lines compared to her littermates, and a single linked chain of two (almost three) spots. On her right side, she has one departure from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, an eclipse. On her left side, she has one departure from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, again an eclipse.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, and captured her exploring the viv with Mom. The second is a (slightly) later shot, after she was placed in her own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot, a side/rear shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Four-Month Update
This shot was taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and presents an updated view of the baby after the delay.
Seven-Month Update
These shots were taken in April 2012 (she was the only baby not to shed in March), and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 33 grams to 90 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:22:48
B-12 (Female)
This little lady was one of the spunkiest of her litter for a long time, all wriggle and teeth. With time and care, however, she has calmed down nicely. She is also the pickiest feeder of her litter. Since we started the litter on rats at birth, rats are what she has decided she will eat: I can leave a mouse in there all day, and she will turn her nose up at it; but if I switch it for a rat, the meal is in her belly right away! She will also pass on meals due to impending shed -- perfectly normal, but the only one in her litter to regularly do so. (She has happily accepted “proper” makeup meals in most of these cases, meaning if I follow her very specific “instructions” on prey type.)
Physically, she has several unique traits. On her back, she has three to five linked chains of two spots (two are highly probable, depending on how the viewer judges these things). On her sides, she has a 100% crescent pattern -- a clean, classic look all the way. Finally, she has three small black spots on her back (one small on her neck, one small on her back, and one medium on her back), all derived from her sire’s branch of the family tree.
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. It’s a pretty cute she as she checks out the camera for the first time. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front left shot, a front right shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Four-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 31 grams to 78 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:22:16
B-11 (Male)
This little guy is another of the calm but active ones, who would not sit still during the pattern inspection, or many cleaning sessions.
Physically, he has several unique traits. He has a lighter-colored head, which can be an indicator of good things to come On his back, he has a whopping five linked chains of four spots (once), three spots (once), and two spots (thrice), respectively. On his right side, he has a 100% crescent pattern (though three of them arguably lean eclipse). On his left side, he has three departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, all eclipses.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, and captured him practicing even more impressive gymnastics skills than his sister. ;-) The second is a (slightly) later shot, after he was placed in his own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Four-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front/side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 34 grams to 90 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:21:15
B-10 (Female)
This little girl was both amazingly calm and amazingly active during the pattern inspection -- constantly curious and on the move while I looked her over. She also holds the “bathroom mess” award of her litter, once managing to sully her entire drawer within 24 hours of its being cleaned. ;-) Finally, she is the screen-tested model of the litter, having starred in the recent Easter Feeding thread.
Physically, she has several unique traits. Her dorsal borders lines are rather broken and irregular, especially in her neck area, which make counting difficult. Nevertheless, she has two linked chains of three and two spots, respectively. On her left side, she has a 100% crescent pattern, and the black portion of one of these travels down to fuse with the nearby bottom half-spot. On her right side, she has one departure from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, a merged dot. Finally, she has a medium black triangle on her lower back, a mark taken straight from her sire.
At Birth
These shots were taken in mid-September 2011. The first shot was taken shortly after birth, and captured her practicing her gymnastics skills. ;-) The second is a (slightly) later shot of her, after she was placed in her own drawer-home.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a side shot, a back shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Four-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 33 grams to 87 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:20:36
B-09 (Female)
Like her brother #08, this little one is both calm and inquisitive. She was also one of the first to move from “discovering” her meal to figuring out striking is good!
Physically, this little one has several unique traits. On her back, she has five linked chains of two spots, and eight or nine touching dots that could be moldable into a chain with breeding. On her left side, she has a 100% crescent pattern. On her right side, she has three departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, all merged dots. Finally, she has a small black dot on her neck.
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set, taken in the scale because she was being squirmy, includes a top shot and paired head/body shots.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a top shot, and a head/upper body shot. Note the first shot came out oddly dark.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 33 grams to 87 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:20:05
B-08 (Male)
This little fellow is my lead male holdback candidate. He is one of the most calm and inquisitive babies in the litter. He was one of the first to move from “discovering” his meal to figuring out striking is good, and is now always front and center on feeding day!
Physically, he has several unique traits. On his back, he has mad linking going on: one chain of three spots, five chains of two spots, and a massive line of touching spots that should merge with breeding. On his sides, he has a 100% crescent pattern -- a clean, classic look all the way -- with the single exception of a small Nike-ish “swoosh” on his right side. (Hmm, marketing deal?)
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, and a top shot.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot and a top shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 34 grams to 92 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:19:22
B-07 (Female)
A perfectly normal, curious little female, this little lady has not revealed any personality quirks so far…though I’m sure she, as all baby Brazilians, has some just waiting to be discovered!
Physically, she has several unique traits. On her back, she has two linked chains of three and two spots, respectively. On her left side, she has a 100% crescent pattern. On her right side, she has two departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern: one merged dot and a series of three “bonus” black dots. Finally, she has an intriguing small black patch on her center line.
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a side shot, and a top shot.
Three-Month Update
These shots were taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and present an updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot and a top shot.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a side shot and a top shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 31 grams to 87 grams. |
| Snakesitter |
Posted - 22/04/2012 : 09:18:49
B-06 (Male)
This fellow was one of the more placid members of his litter…right up until sexing day, the idea of which thrilled him not at all. Let’s just say he made up for lost time that evening. Sine then he’s settled back into his usual placid little self.
Physically, he has several unique traits. On his back, he has two linked chains of two spots. On his right side, he has two departures from an otherwise solid crescent pattern, one eclipse and one merged dot, both in his neck area. On his left side, he also has two departures, one eclipse near his neck and one merged dot farther back. Finally, he has an interesting light patch on his lower right head, and a small black dot on his neck.
At Birth
This shot was taken in mid-September 2011.
Post Shed
This shot was taken in late September 2011. Apologies for the bad lighting; it was taken without formal prep.
Formal Photo Session
This series of shots was taken in early October 2011. Originally, these were to be the sale shots, but circumstances forced a long delay. This mini-set includes a front/right shot, a front/left shot, and a top shot.
Three-Month Update
This shot was taken in late December 2011 to late January 2012, and presents an updated view of the baby after the delay.
Six-Month Update
These shots were taken in March 2012, and present a further updated view of the baby after the delay. This mini-set includes a front shot, a top shot, and a close-up head shot.
As of March 31, this little one had increased from a birth weight of 33 grams to 85 grams. |
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