leopard death

[Helen M]

Did you pay full price for the leopard hatchlings from the breeder? How old were they when you purchased them? I just don't understand how any responsible breeder would sell on hatchlings that weren't thriving. I sell my horsfields at at least 6 months old and only if they are growing at a suitable rate.

Helen xx

[ziggy's owner]

I brought from the same breeder 2 years in a row and not had any problems, so I know the breeder would not sell a unhealthy tortoises,

[anna m]

Best get a post mortum done to find the real problem rather than guess.
I don't give tortoises pellets or advise a viv but EJ has given you some good advice for looking after a poorly tortoise.

[EJ]

I really don't think it is an issue with the breeder.

Juvenile Leopards are relatively fragile for the first few years and the adults can be equally as fragile if you do not get the set up just right.

Originally Posted by Neddy

Perhaps the breeder wouldn't be aware there was an issue until deaths start occurring.........

I think it should be tested for parasites and worms just so you can rule it out Perhaps you can describe the details, like what set up you have, what you are feeding daily, temps, heat source and uv source. This isn't to pass judgement just so we can make suggestions etc

No one is saying you are bad keeper I have a leo too and they are damn right fussy buggers I love him dearly but his habits are weird!

Hope we can help x

[burnt toast]

Sorry for your loss.

I had a similar senario with a Herman hatchling. (most likely cause suspected to be dehydration at an early age) Anyway I will tell you what eventually helped her Abidec baby growth vitamins (orange box, sainsburys, most chemists) You need to bath the remaining baby lots, as much as possible & add approx an inch in the dispenser to one of her baths per day. I used to seperate this baby & offer food after each bath as this got more into her. Little & often was the key. Then return her to her sibling. Mine was 15 grams & her weight didnt change at all for nearly the first 18months, she ate but didnt gain a single gram.

Dont loose heart my little Rambo is now 310grams & like a solid stone

[meacy]

Sorry for your loss

[EJ]

I've lost more than my share of Leopards... 2 of them I had for over 23 years... a total fu on my part but live and learn.

Originally Posted by Neddy

That was my point Ed, how would the breeder possibly know.......

I would be gutted if this were me, when we first got ours we had him in a viv until he needed more space and then we switched to a table.......I thought I was wrong to do this but as the years go by I realise he likes what he likes.

[MiShelley]

So sorry to hear this, it must be awful for you, especially with your other one failing to gain weight.

[knottyedge]

really sad news sorry for your loss

[Lyn]

I doubt it is a problem with the breeder and more likely to do with your set up. Do you have pics you could put on?