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This was Calico
Junior's first clutch, and represents the third generation of calico babies.
This project becomes more established and respected with each successive
group of offspring, and is certainly one of the most desired bloodlines
today. These babies were gorgeous and characteristically dark brown with a few red ones,
and with reduced patterning much like the 2001 calico clutch from this same female.
The virtually patternless baby at top right began changing into a fabulous
calico marked juvenile in January of 2005. I have seen photos of many of these offpsring as they have
matured, and the results have been consistent and spectacular. There is evidence that the calico trait
has strengthened through multiple selective breeding. I have two male holdbacks that are gorgeous speckled,
high yellow animals.
The dam had surgery to
remove retained eggs following this clutch, and her oviducts could not be
saved. At ten years of age, she was facing retirement anyway, and now
resides in the collection in a place of honor for her contributions to the
calico project.
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