Why were the Ninja Turtles were each a different shade of green? I remember noticing it when I was younger but never really wondered about it untill I got some turtle toys from ebay. Any idea?

So they don't all look the same, duh.

look, I dont need a smart ass answer. Besides they look different enough with different color bandanas and weapons

You do have a point. But I guess they just thought they would look better if they were all different colors.

Shut up.

OK, here's what I've noticed;
each iteration of the Turtles have them looking more "superhero-like" and less "toy-like" per the original TV series.

As the characters have morphed in a more serious appearance, the use of different colored bandannas to differentiate the turtles looks very childish, a-la Fisher-Price!

Along with a more "superhero" appearance, the turtles have subdued coloring on the bandannas, so now it makes since that skin tones can be used for a more realistic effect while making the boys individuals, an identity as unique as their voices.

Maybe so it's easier to tell who's who without the bandanas?

Are we talking about the 1987 - 1996 series or the newer ones? On the older ones I never noticed any differents in their shades or green. On the newer ones I have not watch an episode in some time.

im talking about the original toyline. If you look at each them their all different shades of green. Like i stated in the original post, I recently got some original toys from ebay and they are each a different shade of green. Ive noticed that with each turtle ive bought since i was a kid. Raph is always the lightest shade of green and donatello is always the darkest.