Picked up my 2 Shinglebacks new pics pg2

[Richard.C]

Thanks Richard, I thought they are aspera, but didn't realise they could have such variation in their colour flecks.

Aspera are highly variable in color and size ,some have no flecking at all

[MattFab]

Richard, is defecating when being held a typical defense mechanism for Shinglebacks? Does this only happen in juveniles or does it continue into adult hood?

Cheers

[spandangle]

They are a stunning pair of asperas, Matt. Congrats!

I don't have a problem with my Shinglebacks defecating when handled, but they do love to pee on you! I find it is to do with the individual animal. I have one that is really bad at it, while the others may only do it occasionally. I have noticed that they do tend to do it more if you do not support their lower bodies when handling. Holding them flat when possibly minimises them from pooing or peeing on you.

It is commonly held belief that they poo and pee when handled because it is a defensive mechanism. But I have never been a pee'd on or poo'd on by a wild shingleback (bitten and hissed at plenty of times though). The ones that seem to do it a lot are the tame captive shingles.

[NickBrahz]

I think it is more that it's just timing, they just have to go so they go when they need to regardless if you are holding them or not, because as Spandangle said i have also never been pee'd or pee'd on by a wild bluie which i imagine would be the most likely case they would do it if it was out of fear or defense.

[MattFab]

Thank you both of you I appreciate the replies and info, hope it stops its unpleasant hahaha. It has never happened to me with blueys either so I have been surprised

[Scotts1au]

Babies are more prone to ##$ing on you, generally they are eating more constantly and have one ready to pop or squirt.

Although regardless of species some just let it rip more than others. In my case there seems to be a relationship between gross feeders (individuals that just eat more than others) vs. pickers.

[MattFab]

Ok thanks for the info, I am not the kind of owner who handles a lot, more for care purposes and what not so I will keep it minimal as possible for now.

Should I be feeding these guys every day for now? They are about 9-10 weeks and are absolute guts!

[alichamp]

Hey Matt. Have you noticed any changes with feeding now you have identified mites? I guess if they are still eating well while feeding every day then that's good. You could try having one or two feed-free days a week and see how they go.

How are they going anyway? Any changes with pooing/peeing on you when handled?

[MattFab]

I have held off handling, they are very different, there is a smart curious climber and then the other one is a bit brick headed and lazy, so they have been an entertaining duo. They are still eating well, the one that really had mites has been a bit more lethargic but overall their behaviour and functions have been perfect so I am really happy.

I will start to handle them a bit in a few weeks when they are a touch older and more used to having me around, I dont feel like washing my clothes every time I pick them up for now lol

[MattFab]

free upload pictures

[mark_w]

Wow those little aspers are lovely. Very very nice. I agree with Susann, the mites can only have come in on the animals themselves, but they take a while to build up to the level that you can notice them. My rugosa pees and sometimes craps when handled if I take him by surprise or don't support his body fully underneath. He does it a lot less now than he did at first so they should settle but probably wont ever be as comfortable being handled as some blue tongues can be.

Mark.

[MattFab]

Wow those little aspers are lovely. Very very nice. I agree with Susann, the mites can only have come in on the animals themselves, but they take a while to build up to the level that you can notice them. My rugosa pees and sometimes craps when handled if I take him by surprise or don't support his body fully underneath. He does it a lot less now than he did at first so they should settle but probably wont ever be as comfortable being handled as some blue tongues can be.

Mark.

Thanks mate I appreciate it. One of these guys basically begs to be held, the other huffs and puffs, its great they have such different personalities, I don't go overboard on handling, especially when I am in mite treatment but I do look forward to not being peed on haha. Thanks!

[MattFab]

Hi guys! One of the shingles started to shed yesterday, all going well, under the shed he appears to be much lighter which was a cool surprise, more of a light bronze brown than the black they have been the week and a half I have had them. Will they continue to lighten or remain this color? Cheers (Sorry for bad photos, its tough to get them with the tank lights)

[alichamp]

Whoa, thats cool!