Hi everyone

I have been asked a question and wondered if you can help me. Someone wants one of my hatchlings but she has a spurthigh already. I have told her that different species must not mix, is that right?
The reason i ask is because I know lots of people have several species, do they ever mix together in the garden?

Thanks
Jeanette x

No they should never be mixed Jeanette. Different species carry different pathogens and also have different courting rituals that could damage another species (ie a male spur thigh would really damage a female hermanns with its butting rituals).

I thought that was the case, Thankyou Lisa.x

hi,i agree totally with Lisa.i would like to add i have heard of some respected breeders who do mix species but only as hatchlings.having done this myself in the past i can say although provided they are from similar habitats and have the same basic requirements,you are very unlikely to encounter problems while captive bred youngsters are very young.i have found it almost impossible to organise a feeding regime to suit mixed species hatchlings needs and raise perfectly smooth animals,even when feeding identical diets.since keeping my species seperate as hatchlings i find it is possible to control their diet by the individual species feeding habits and am now getting excellent results,with both Hermanni and Graeca hatchlings.thanks Lisa for your help and advice .

Hello Jeanette
when i put Speedy my redfoot out in the garden he has a roam around but cannot get to H,Becky and Humpty as they have a secure enclosure round there house.
Jaynex