sulcata breeders?

[Talula]

Aldabra man... Would you consider selling me acleo/sulcata? I'm about 2.5 hours away from you.

[EJ]

Just to be fair... they are not rare... they are uncommon and becoming more readily available.

Originally Posted by ALDABRA MAN

The Sulcatas are £100 each or 2 for £180.
The sul/leo are £500 each or 2 for £900 these are so so rare this is probably the only ones in the whole of Europe for sale.

[ALDABRA MAN]

Hi Ed,
they may not be rare in the USA but in the UK they are pretty much unheard of and these are the only ones to my knowledge that are available here, must update pictures of them. They seem to be growing twice as quick as my Sulcata hatch lings.

[EJ]

Well... the herp community has always lagged in the UK. It's relatively recent that Sulcatas and Leopards were even kept in the UK and many that keep them keep both together. More will show up for sure.

Originally Posted by ALDABRA MAN

Hi Ed,
they may not be rare in the USA but in the UK they are pretty much unheard of and these are the only ones to my knowledge that are available here, must update pictures of them. They seem to be growing twice as quick as my Sulcata hatch lings.

[Henry-flash]

Sorry, but what is the logic behind producing hybrid tortoises? If accidental then fair enough, but why would anyone want to deliberately cross species? I do hope they're infertile as adults and don't go on to muddy the gene pools of two species.

[EJ]

Because it's fun... why would anyone cross any species that is being kept as a pet. The chances of them making it back into the wild are minimal.

Originally Posted by Henry-flash

Sorry, but what is the logic behind producing hybrid tortoises? If accidental then fair enough, but why would anyone want to deliberately cross species? I do hope they're infertile as adults and don't go on to muddy the gene pools of two species.

[Baoh]

Originally Posted by Henry-flash

Sorry, but what is the logic behind producing hybrid tortoises? If accidental then fair enough, but why would anyone want to deliberately cross species? I do hope they're infertile as adults and don't go on to muddy the gene pools of two species.

Why not?

What gene pool are you muddying? I am pretty strong, but I doubt I can toss one of these back to Africa, as my throwing arm just is not what it used to be. They are also obviously different from standard sulcatas or leopards when they are of size. Some of the babies look like "off" or atypical leopards, though.

[Mick.Ire]

I don't know if I would incubate eggs if my female sulcata and male leopard mated. Do we know of any health problems or deformities with hatchlings?

[ALDABRA MAN]

Have you seen the pics of the sul x leo in the classified section of shelled warriors they are perfectly formed in every way they eat, drink and behave normally. Had no idea that my Leopard had covered my female Sulcata until the eggs hatched 15 out of 15 no problems with any of them, they are quite stunning.

[EJ]

Give that a little thought. Why would there be any health issues. The entire species concept is based on human perception. Do you really think the tortoises give a damn one way or the other? Do you really think they know they are different. If it wasn't meant to be it wouldn't happen.

Originally Posted by Mick.Ire

I don't know if I would incubate eggs if my female sulcata and male leopard mated. Do we know of any health problems or deformities with hatchlings?