About us

Fellow reptile enthusiasts, have you tried scouring the Internet in search of products which support your love of reptiles, only to hit a dead end? Perhaps the selection was lean or not quite the style you were looking for. We understand! Expressing what you’re passionate about is important and Fatty Pancake seeks to deliver products that allows you to do just that!

Whether you are a current, former, or pining-to-be owner of a reptile, we support your love and desire to share this unique passion with the rest of the world. Each product is designed by artist and fellow reptile enthusiast Melissa Hitchcock in her quest to introduce new art into the community. Whether it’s humorous or serious, simple or intricate, the wide range of designs provide diversity for all types of owners looking for a variety of merchandise.

So slither, crawl, or sprint your way to our catalog! Don't see a design with your prefered beloved species? Don't fret! Sign up on our mailing list to see what new work is on the way!


What inspired the name?

In short, it was a nickname given to one of the owners bearded dragons named Sienna.

Sienna's Story

Sienna was a motley little bearded dragon found on a craigslist ad that looked like she had been through a lot. Her nails were over grown, she had a giant cyst on her face, and more importantly, she looked utterly ready to give up on life. After rescuing her, Mel slowly worked to bring her health back up.

After a month of intense rehab, this little babe was strong enough for undergo the surgery to remove the cyst which blocked her ability to see. During the operation, it was also discovered she was egg bound. Her condition was so severe it actually ruptured her reproductive tract, forcing the vet to perform a thorough removal of all the free floating matter in her body. Yes! It was really that bad! The vet did an amazing job, and Sienna recovered wonderfully! However her skin was so stretched from all the eggs stuffed inside her and it never shrank to normal size. Every time she went to lay on her basking spot, her stomach would ooze out like pancake batter poured on a gridle; earning her the nickname, fatty pancake! 

 

In Memory Of Sienna

 

Her biopsy results sadly returned a positive diagnosis of melanoma, however that didn't stop this mighty little dragon from living a good life. After three full wonderful years, Sienna passed away from her cancer, and Mel dedicated her store in honor of her little Fatty Pancake.

Why call them pancakes?

Pancake is often used to describe the appearance of a bearded dragon when they push out their ribs and flatten themselves while they bask. It often makes them look like little pancakes, albeit rather spiky ones.


Where are you based?

Our small studio is located right at the feet of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A true gem of a location when it comes to inspiration for the work we do!


About the Artist

Melissa Hitchcock grew up mostly in the rural areas of Central Colorado. This allowed the artist to gain inspiration from nature and wildlife that surrounded her. In a small garden next to the house, a collection of garter snakes made their home during the summer months, which the artist would catch and draw. Most of the snakes became rather accustomed to handling over the years and would often just sit quietly until placed back near where they were caught. It wasn’t until the Crocodile Hunter TV series aired that Mel's love of reptiles took off.

It wasn't until five years ago the artist adopted her first bearded dragon but since then lizards have been on the brain.