ADVICE PLEASE (baby leopard tortoise)

[Jadeybaby]

I have a 5 month old Leo Tort and the people I got him from kept him in a very dry enclosure (so I'm told, I am new at this) I am looking to change his substrate ASAP but wondered which is best recommended?? Also, I live in the UK so wondered if anybody knows which sites are best to order it from? Cost doesn't matter as I just want the best for him....I have started bathing him now which hopefully helps. I currently feed him mainly spring greens which he doesn't tend to eat much of. Is this because its all new or is he unhappy?? Iv only had him 3 days. Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

RE: ADVICE PLEASE

If you look under the "Leopard tortoise" section on the forum, there's an informative leopard tortoise care sheet at the top of the section, under "important threads."

 

[Tom]

Click the links in my signature for lots of info that will help you.

 

[Greg T]

You can use a variety of substrates depending on what is available to you. The important thing it to keep it moist but not wet. a fine mulch is good, or coconut husk which you may be able to find at pet stores. You can use hay, but it is a bit coarse for babies. Make sure you read Tom's links there for some great information also.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Please don't use hay. A leopard hatchling shouldn't have hay substrate. If you raise your leo with humidity (like Tom's links explain and like I have done) then any hay will mold and cause problems.

Many people use store bought things (mulch, coir) but I use dirt. FREE dirt from my yard I don't use fertilizers or pesticides so I know it is safe. It works perfectly and I have an unending supply. Do you have a yard to get dirt from? A friend or neighbor?

I have read many times that some tortoises wont eat until they settle in a bit. I personally have always had mine eat right away, but I wouldn't be concerned yet if I were you.

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

Jadeybaby, lots of excellent advise already, above. I have read all of Tom's recommendations in those links, over and over to be sure, for my 2 month old baby leopard and I think it not only makes sense, but my baby leopard is thriving.

Hot-Humid-Hydrated = Happy! : )

 

[Sulcata tortoise665]

I would use a hay type bedding

 

[BeeBee*BeeLeaves]

The problem with hay is will get moldy when wet and the mold could cause a problem, respiratory wise. I am loco for coco coir. Easy to keep clean, baby stays humid to avert pyramiding ...

 

[Jadeybaby]

Thank you all for your help, he/she is so much happier now!!!!!

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

For my baby sulcata, Little Ricky, I use a 50/50 mix of organic top soil and organic peat moss. The important part of that is, “top soil" not potting soil. Often times, potting soil will have little white bits in it that tortoises find attractive to eat. This then, causes impaction. Top soil on the other hand has none of these little things in it. This mix for me allows for good humidity control and allows Little Ricky to bury himself we the mood grabs him. The key to moist, humid enclosures is to maintain temps in the 80 degree at the coldest location. Colder than that and you are courting respiratory infections. A bonus to the peat moss, it's acid level discourages the growth of mold which also can be a very real problem in an enclosed habitat. Hope this helps.