Ackie Help

[vadnappa]

Hi all, im getting my first ackie, hopefully picking it up this afternoon. a shop is getting one down and holding it for me. Apparently there is a guy in deception bay who is licenced to catch stuff from the wild and its apparently from him. does this sound alright or is the shop pulling my leg? also do ackies hold their markings? i have dragons an they can look like crap one minute then spectacular the next, is it the same with ackies or like my question asks 'do they hold their markings?'. i have done alot of research on them but i'v never read if they keep their colours. also if anyone wants to throw me some first hand info im always interested.

[vadnappa]

bump

[freerider]

Hi Vadnappa
Most monitors colours fade into adulthood, though some acckies, such as the sandfire phase have intense colours that even after fading are still extremely bright
hope this helps

[vadnappa]

thanx mate. i kind of mean if it looks rubbish sraight out of the box an they try tell me its just nervous do i beleive them or has it just got bad markings

[vadnappa]

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[vadnappa]

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[vadnappa]

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[hugsta]

Ackies start off failry ordinary looking and develop their colours as they get older. They do not appear to be like pythons where their colour will fade as they age. My ackies would only be around 6 or 7 years old and still holding colour well.

[cuddlykylie]

is that deception bay in brisbane

[varanophile]

hi vadnappa, hugsta is right with what they say. the only thing that i would add is that it is important to use uv light. without it the colours do tend to fade, in particular the yellows. another thing to consider, if it has been digging as it may just be covered in dust or dirt. sounds simple but you will be amazed how a wet wipe down can bring out the colours.( see pic below)

lastly, are you buying it as for the purpose of breeding or for a house pet. wild caught ackies do tame up a bit, but unless caught very young will never be as comfortable as a captive bred. they often seem ok in the shop, but once settled into their home can become snappy or timid.

hope this helps

[Ashleigh:]]

Is that deception bay in brisbane?

[vadnappa]

thanx guys. yeh deception bay in brisbane. i picked he/she up on friday, its beautiful very small its body fits on my index finger. yeh eventualy i'd like to breed with it, but at the moment its on its own. i might get some more in february as i know someone breeding them and they said should be available then. ive heard your meant to grow them up together, but i thought it might be better to have totally different blood lines. its eatn two crickets so far, its so awsum feeding! it is a reddy colour but when u hold it close to its uv its spots glow yellow.