Digging?

[jenmat]

Hi,
I'm doing my homework, and getting things ready for a baby leopard tortoise we will get someday. I live in Georgia. I'm working on preparing the yard. I understand the above ground parameters:
-block walls
-a top with a visible lip to discourage climbing and a screen cover.
-shade areas
-a shallow, inset, plant saucer water dish
-Plantings of appropriate weeds for food and cover
-Spiffy house for when he is too big to come inside for the winter (figure I've got some time on that one.)

But what about below ground? I'm putting our baby in an old garden bed. Organic, so no chemical worries, but soft easy dirt. Do I need to put walls underground and if so, how deep. Thanks...

 

[wellington]

Hello and Welcome. In case you have t read them yet, please read Toms threads below in my post for raising a healthy, smooth leopard. The sulcata threads will apply to your leopard.
Leopards do not burrow into the ground. They may dig in a little, but do not burrow down deep. For winter months when he is living outside 24/7 he will have to have a heated shed or barn or large heated house of some sort.

 

[nate.mann]

no need to dig down, you should be alright. and yes, for winter, you will need a heated hide for him/her. apart from that, youre golden.


0.1.0 Russian tortoise
0.1.0 Sonoran Desert Tortoise
1.0.0 Bluenose Pit/American Bulldog

 

[Tom]

Leopards are not all that great of climbers typically either. At least not compared to most species. Sounds like you've given a lot of thought to the outdoor enclosure, but for a baby, the focus need to be on the indoor enclosure where they will spend most of their time. Here is a care sheet for you:

http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-79895.html

 

[Neal]

Agreed, there is not need to worry about the tortoise digging out. As long as your barrier is flush with the ground and the ground is stable enough, you shouldn't need to worry at all.

Another thread for additional reference: http://tortoiseforum.org/thread-63792.html