Leopards

[jadebone1992]

Hi I have 2 leopard tortoises, Wallace and gromit. I am in the UK. When I got them from the breeder she has told me the opposite of what I have read on here! Gromit is really small compared to Wallace and I don't understand why? What wattage bulb do you think I need as mine isn't getting as hot as it needs to be? Also gromit has got little cuts on his front leg and it looks like he's really dry but Wallace is normal and growing really fast? Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks x

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Hello Jadebone,

I don't like to keep tortoises in pairs. I prefer to house them alone or in groups of 3 or more. The dynamics in a pair amplify the dominant/submissive roles and I believe extreme size difference is one of the side effects from that.

The bulb used for heat will vary in each enclosure and each home. What you need to do is get an accurate thermometer and test your temperatures. For example in summer, I can use a 40watt bulb (in my closed chamber) and it gives me a 95F basking spot. In winter when my house is colder I use a 60watt bulb to achieve the same 95F basking spot. Some people may use a 65watt flood lamp all year long and simply raise or lower the fixture until they get the desired temperature.

Do you know what is causing the cuts? Would you like to post pictures?

When leopards hatch in the wild its during or soon after monsoon season. It's hot, humid and marshy puddles and green food is growing everywhere. These are the conditions we want to mimic when raising them in captivity. There are a variety of ways to implement the Hot and Humid Method. All of them include an earthy substrate so ditch the newpaper and wood shavings.
Some people have an open tortoise table but provide a nice, warm humid hide.
Some people partially cover a table so they have areas with different levels of humidity.
Others, like me, prefer to use closed chambers that create a humid environment throughout the entire enclosure. I've had great results using this method. It's easy to maintain and very cost effective. They don't live like this forever, just the first year or so. Then the next year they only sleep in this then at about 8"-10" they wont be in a humid chamber at all.

Do some reading and then make the transition into a humid environment slowly. Don't just plunk them into a 90%RH closed chamber.

We are here to help you. One of the best ways to get advise is to post photos of what their enclosure looks like now and then we can point out specifics to work on.

Welcome to TFO!

 

[Yvonne G]

That's a great post, Heather. You ought to be first to answer such questions more often.

Hi Jadebone:

Welcome to the Forum!!

I'll just bet that the cuts on your little one's front legs are from the bigger one biting him. I do believe you need to build a separate pen and separate them immediately.

You can find some pretty good reading at the top of the leopard section under the "Important Threads."

 

[mike taylor]

Well you two just shut me down . All I can say now is welcome!

 

[jadebone1992]

Thank u so much for your help! I've read threw the section in leopards and I am making a huge change!! I think his little cuts could be caused by dry skin from not enough humidity! I have just ordered some orchid bark and having a change around. If only I was told this when I first got them!! Thank all for ur help [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES][SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]