2010 South African Leopard Thread.

Zamric

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Ive read in earlier post about them digging "test Holes". Is there something specific they look for are just exercising for the big even? I ask because Eros is constantly trying to mount Gaia and in the event she needs to lay eggs, Id like to make sure she can to avoid "Eggbound". If it does happen, I would probably let the eggs just stay there and let nature (for good or ill) take its course.
 

Tom

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Ive read in earlier post about them digging "test Holes". Is there something specific they look for are just exercising for the big even? I ask because Eros is constantly trying to mount Gaia and in the event she needs to lay eggs, Id like to make sure she can to avoid "Eggbound". If it does happen, I would probably let the eggs just stay there and let nature (for good or ill) take its course.

Sometimes they dig test holes and sometimes they don't. I can guess or speculate about why, but it would just be guessing and speculating. My tortoises usually don't, but two of my leopards dug a test hole before their last clutches. These were their fourth clutches of the season and they didn't dig test holes for their first three clutches.

Sounds like its time to separate Eros and Gaia. That sort of constant attention from an overzealous male is not good for her. They should really not live as a pair. I know you'v heard me say this a million times…

If she does lay eggs, they are pretty likely to hatch in your climate. In some cases the eggs will need to over winter before they will develop. So if she lays in March of 2017, the eggs might just stay in the ground all spring, summer, fall, winter, spring and then finally develop in summer of 2018. When they incubate in the ground you are likely to see babies in late August or September.
 

navyblu

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Ill also say on the male Gpp aggression....while in breeding season...he is very aggressive towards me and any other male....If I come into their pen...its on...he is chasing me incessantly, trying to ram my ankles; Very annoying, especially if its bath time.
 

Tom

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Ill also say on the male Gpp aggression....while in breeding season...he is very aggressive towards me and any other male....If I come into their pen...its on...he is chasing me incessantly, trying to ram my ankles; Very annoying, especially if its bath time.

I've decided to separate my males from the females. They are just relentless. Mine are this way year round.
 

navyblu

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I've decided to separate my males from the females. They are just relentless. Mine are this way year round.
I really need to....I just I don't have the space at this moment...with, Bobcocki, Aldabra, Sri Star, Radiated, Phayrei and Ivory Sulcatas groups......I need more land. Your right they are relentless....and anyone that says there is no difference between the Gpp and Gpb just need to be around the adults for a little while to see the obvious differences...my Bobcocki are way more peaceful....Would love to see your Burmese Stars and their progression someday Tom
 

Levi the Leopard

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Ill also say on the male Gpp aggression....while in breeding season...he is very aggressive towards me and any other male....If I come into their pen...its on...he is chasing me incessantly, trying to ram my ankles; Very annoying, especially if its bath time.

My leopard is a pp/pb mix. His aggression is all pp! Hopefully he gets the pp size too! :cool: :tort:

I enjoy all your updates guys! Thanks for sharing
 

diamondbp

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Hey Tom, just thought you'd like to see Luke, the male I bought from you 3 years ago and part of your 2010 group....17.5" and 27lbs!!
Wow that guy is impressive. Reminds me very much of my male, just a hair lighter. But the shape is identical
 

Slow and steady

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I've just read the 19 pages of this thread, and it's been amazing. In the time since I joined the forum about a year ago, I've been able to piece together some major discoveries, and major players in the evolution of the closed-chamber, but I hadn't realized that it was all chronicled right here. This thread is basically the "Genesis" of closed-chamber hatchling rearing as I've come to understand it. And @Tom, while I've always enjoyed your very sound husbandry advice, box builds, etc., I did not realize that you are basically the point-man in the battle against pyramiding. This was fun to discover, and it helps me tie together some of the who's who here at TFO. Thank you @Tom for your dedication to this project. I know you understand the far-reaching impact and implications your work has on the tortoise community. And thank you to the rest of you who took part in this phenomenal project for your valuable experiences and input. I, for one, truly appreciate it. Now enough gushing:rolleyes:...

How about some updates from the class of 2010 already?!?
 

Yvonne G

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My male is on the small size. I really rather doubt he's going to be a giant, but the female seems to be growing nicely. The last time I saw Tom's 2010s his were all bigger than mine. I tend to not feed very much because the tortoises have plenty to graze on in their yard. I've gotten 4 clutches of eggs from her so far. The first two were clear. The two others are in the incubator. It's dark out now, but I'll take my camera with me when I go out to feed and water in an hour or so and get pictures of them. Just for the heck of it, I'll bring the scale too.
 

Tom

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Slow and steady

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I placed an aged Babcock next to the 2010s for comparison. Miz Babcock weighs 29lbs, the female 2010 is 26lbs and the male is 19lbs.

Yvonne, Is that the same Babcock you've been comparing them to throughout their growth? The female PP actually looks bigger than her now. I bet after a couple of good days of feeding that she might be heavier than her too. Thanks for the picture.
 
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Yvonne G

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Yvonne, Is that the same Babcock you've been comparing them to throughout their growth? The female PP actually looks bigger than her now. I bet after a couple of good days of feeding that she might be heavier than her too. Thanks for the picture.
Yes, the same. Tortoises tend to have growth and not a lot of weight. Eventually, with muscle mass, etc. the weight catches up with size.
 
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