Leopard Tortoise Enclosure Enrichment

[Jadeleopardtortoises62]

Hello, I have 2 leopard tortoises in their own separate enclosures but I feel like their homes are lacking enrichment in terms of the fact that they tend to chill in their favorite pots and only really are active during the morning and mildly in the afternoon. I just wanted to create more interest in their enclosures but anytime I’ve added plants they are completely decimated in about 3 days. I was hoping to get some ideas of some good things to add to their homes thank you!

 

[Blackdog1714]

Hello, I have 2 leopard tortoises in their own separate enclosures but I feel like their homes are lacking enrichment in terms of the fact that they tend to chill in their favorite pots and only really are active during the morning and mildly in the afternoon. I just wanted to create more interest in their enclosures but anytime I’ve added plants they are completely decimated in about 3 days. I was hoping to get some ideas of some good things to add to their homes thank you!

Mine loves his hostas and doesn't trample them. He is hiding in the very center and blends in perfectly. I would suggest shade cloth low to the ground to simulate plant shade and it doesn't need watering in the summer.

 

[TammyJ]

We might get some inspiration if you post some pictures of the enclosures.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Most people's tortoise enclosures look like prison cells. 4 walls, bare ground, a place to eat & sleep with lights over head. That's it.
I encourage people to decorate their tortoise's enclosure like a little bit of the "great outdoors"! Try and recreate a mini patch of nature and watch your tortoises become active and much more lively.

I suggest rocks, logs and plants but also make it so that they can't see their entire enclosure from one view point. There should be paths, obstacles and various types of terrain. The sky is the limit here. The more space you offer, the more creative you can get!

Tortoise age and size will also play in a role. Tiny babies housed indoors most of the time:




Juvenile tortoises will be outdoors more often but still need a natural enclosure:




Once they are big adults, their space doesn't have to be as full of hiding spots:




Leopards are the best tortoise. But I'm biased :love: Give them a great space to grow up in and you'll never regret it.