Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 4:06 pm
I think it's a genetic thing, like how some humans have blue eyes and blonde hair, and other humans have green eyes and red hair.
Cane and Sadie, my two RES, have bold, red stripes. Ty, who is a mississippi map/RES hybrid, has orange stripes which blend into yellow. The shape of the red stripes are different on all RES too, like fingerprints.
Also, a rio grande RES has an red oval shape, next to a red dot, rather than just two stripes, and the shapes and colors of those vary too.
An unhealthy RES should have a very pale colored shell, like a whitish-green, and skin tone may be murky and pale as well. At least, this is what I've heard. Basically, a healthy reptile of any kind should have bold, bright colors, bright and clear eyes, and a relatively active demeanor. (This is not to be confused for the discoloration of shedding, where a turtle's skin will be dull but the patterns still noticeable).
Phryne - Japanese bobtail, 11 y.o.
Hurricane - RES, approx. 19 y.o., 7.00in. long
Typhoon - RES hybrid, approx. 19 y.o., 8 in. long
Sadie - RES, approx. 30+ y.o., 11.5in. long
Sophie - Colombian red tail boa, 15 y.o., 5 ft. long
