Leopard not getting any bigger?

[burke082]

Hello! New here and have a question. I've had my leopard tortoise for almost 15 years now and it's still the size of my hand. It grew in the beginning, but doesn't seem to get any bigger. I'll put a picture of the George(the leopard) and the enclosure (very large backyard). I also have a, I believe, a sulcata (tank) which we got as a little hatchling back in 2013 and is now much larger than George. The picture is only about half the back yard, and each tortoise has their own little hiding spots and such. I uploaded a picture of part of the backyard, George, and tank.
Thank you!

 

[Neal]

Unfortunately there could be countless reasons why your tortoise has not grown very much. Genetics, environment, diet and health are all major factors in growth rates. With a tortoise that age, you may not see any significant growth if any. He can still be healthy and live awhile longer though.

It wasn't clear from your post if your two tortoises are housed in the same area. If they are, do you have plans to separate him from your sulcata? It is a generally accepted best practice to not co-mingle species.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome!

Another reason the leopard hasn't grown MIGHT be because of sharing space with a pushy sulcata. Sometimes a less aggressive tortoise tries to be insignificant so the bigger, more aggressive tortoise doesn't notice him.

 

[burke082]

Yeah, both of them share the backyard together, but I'm currently trying to figure out a good way to separate them.

The leopard wasn't growing before we got the sulcata either, so I don't know. And it's actually kind of funny because the smaller leopard is usually the one pushing around the bigger sulcata.

@Neal @Yvonne G

 

[Neal]

Smaller tortoises tend to develop that sort of aggressive behavior. If I were you I would focus my efforts on separating those two soon. You may not see any new growth, but you'll likely have a happier tortoise.

Welcome to the Forum by the way. I'm down in Chandler.

 

[teresaf]

You feed them daily right? You can't depend on them getting enough nutrients from grass. Original Mazuri(not LS) is a great fattener. Torts love it. Just soften it with water and add1/4 cup or so to his meals.

 

[Kasia]

Hello! New here and have a question. I've had my leopard tortoise for almost 15 years now and it's still the size of my hand. It grew in the beginning, but doesn't seem to get any bigger. I'll put a picture of the George(the leopard) and the enclosure (very large backyard). I also have a, I believe, a sulcata (tank) which we got as a little hatchling back in 2013 and is now much larger than George. The picture is only about half the back yard, and each tortoise has their own little hiding spots and such. I uploaded a picture of part of the backyard, George, and tank.
Thank you!View attachment 205071View attachment 205072View attachment 205073

How much does he weigh? I have a leopard that is on the small side and it's about 3 years old. He weighs 1.3 kg and is not growing fast. He had parasites. Deworming killed his good gut flora as well as parasites. He eats quite well but stays a light weight. Check for parasites, maybe that is his problem... Or he is just a small creature whatever the reason take good care of him