Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday Treasure - Finale for 2010

Well everyone, Clare is bringing her days of hostess to a close, and even though the wonderful Melody is taking up the task, I think I'll stick with Clare and leave it until the festive season is over. I have so many more treasures to share with you, not just from the Sea and nature, but they'll have to wait.
Clare, this Treasure is especially for you to share with your kids - I just know they'll love it!

Years ago when I was 5 or 6, I had a pet. His name was Maxamillion, and he lived in a fish tank half full of water. He was an electric bright blue colour. Every night, he would pick up the pebbles in the bottom of his tank, walk them to the other end, and make a wall on one side. One night he built it so high, he escaped, and my Dad nearly stepped on him! We kept a lid on the tank from then on, just in case. When we moved to Queensland, Max came with us in his tank in the back of the car surrounded by our cat and dog and luggage. Every few months, Max would grow too big for his skin, so he'd shed it. The first time it happened, we thought he'd died, then Mum realized he was hiding down the opposite end and we've laughed about it ever since. My Mum kept the skin shells, drying them out on kitchen paper and keeping them in our display cabinet. When he finally did pass away, we got another, and named him Max the Second. He lived just as long, with just as much personality.

Max and Max II were Blue Yabbies! Known in QLD as Crauchies and in WA as Marron, these guys make awesome pets!
Here's the biggest skin I own. I'm not sure who's skin it is, Maxamillion or Max2.Here it is on my hand for comparison:You can still find them today for sale in pet shops. I highly recommend them as a child's first pet, but make sure they know how to pick them up behind the nippers so they won't get pinched!

8 comments:

Jo in TAS said...

I've never known anyone who kept them as pets! How fabulous to have their shells as keepsakes.

marina said...

Yabbies do have the most beautiful colourings. We often used to go yabbying but not to keep them as pets I am afraid. I was always wary of those nippers!

BubzRugz said...

Amazing those skins have kept so well.... I will miss your treasures.... and look forward to seeing them next year???
Hugz

Melody said...

What an amazing post. I had no idea they shed their skin. Your treasures are always wonderful so I hope you will join us again in the new year.

Cubby House Crafts said...

Thankyou for sharing yet another interesting post...I had to have a giggle at picturing a hiding naked yabby!lol!
Lisa ʚϊɞ

Unknown said...

You are wonderful ! Thankyou so much for showing us your treasures and educating us at the same time .
It is always a pleasure visiting here !

Yarni Gras! said...

how fun is that!

Chookyblue...... said...

love it.........