Leopard hatchling care
 

Hi all,

I was wondering if people could give me some advice on looking after leopard hatchlings?

I have been struggling to find a young (1-2 year old) leopard tort not from a dealer, but have found a breeder who has some about to hatch which will be ready for sale when they are a few weeks old and eating well.

This sounds very young compared to Pickles who was 3 when I got him and I was wondering what the main differences in care were? Any differences in environment/diet/temperatures?

I have had Pickles for 5 months so am still a novice tort owner, would a very young leopard be suitable or do they need more specialist care?

Thanks :)

Food is the same as any Med. tortoise for the first couple of years. Grass can be added to the diet in small amounts after that. Temperature will be a bit higher especially at night. Other then that the lights and enclosure are the same, though would be easier to keep temperatures up in a viv.

Danny

Ok, thanks. I think I'll get a thermostat controller thing to keep the temps stable, especially as it starts getting colder at night. He'll be having Pickle's old smaller table to start with, I could cover the top with clear perspex or something to make it easier to keep the temps right? Would that work?

Another thing, next summer Pickles will have his permanent outdoor enclosure built and just come in at night. Would baby leo be ok to do the same? Or would he need to be indoors so the temps etc can be regulated better? (Obviously they will have separate enclosures :) ) The long term plan would then be for the leopard to have the big indoor table in the winter when Pickles is hibernating.

The Perspex cover on the table should work great :)

That would be fine as long as it's sunny and temperatures are good :D

Danny

Thank you :)

We kept ours in a viv for the first 1 and a bit years as it was a lot easier to maintain the temps.

Ralph loves going out but as it can be damp here in the uk I would recommend putting them out if the temps are 17c or above at least until they are bigger.

We know it is to cold for Ralph as he comes and sits at the back door, this year he even learnt how to climb the step!

I was concerned about the damp... I'm still doing research and trying to decide. My husband has taken more interest in Pickles than he thought he would, but likes the idea of having a big tortoise. I think leopards are about as big as we coud house here. (Until I win the lottery and get my Aldabras :D )

Yeah it's definitely something to consider. I adore Ralph and wouldnt be without him now. I just want him to be as comfortable as possible after all we chose him, he didnt chose us.

Unfotunately that is not practical for us, but he is worth it :)

I have two Leopards, they're a lovely Tortoise. Mine are called Phyllis and Ike. Will you have a humid hide for the new baby?