My official p.pardalis leopard tort page

[diamondbp]

 

[MichaelS]

Here is a comparison demonstration of how drastic of a change a tortoises sexual "appearance" can undergo in 6 months or so. This is a picture of my largest p.pardalis in October of last year versus today. See how dramatic his tail is now as compared to then. He is beyond ready for the ladies View attachment 126600View attachment 126601

Very fascinating transformation in a short time...do you have a age, weight and length as to when this tail growth occurred?

 

[diamondbp]

The tail length began to really change right before the 2year mark and between 6-7inches. This was true for both of my males. Here is their current length

 

[diamondbp]

Here is the plastron shot of my 2nd to largest 9" male

 

[MichaelS]

Absolutely beautiful, I can't wait until mine get that big...thank you for sharing

 

[sierraviewranch]

Byron, I've just loved reading through this thread! Must also say "Thank you" for your kind words about our babies and breeding practices. We feel honored that you now have six Sierra View Ranch offspring in your care!

 

[diamondbp]

Here is some recent photos of the lineup. 17 total. I just acquired another baby from Sierra view that is super healthy. I will start with my 6 mixed (p.p/p.b.) and then go to my pure South Africans. It's been strange because some of my leopards have escalated in growth while others have come to a virtual halt. I'm still trying to figure out exactly why this may be. Diet has remain identical. I had went to a lower wattage bulb in the enclosure since it's warming up outside. And I did have to alter their outside habitats which I think this likely threw them for a loop. They seem to be getting use to the changes lately so hopefully the growth will pick back up. Just being honest stay tuned

Now the pure South Africans

This one totally stalled in growth

My middle sized South Africans have done really well lately but the largest and smallest have slowed down.

 

[cmacusa3]

I got my Leo "Boomer" from Sierra View and haven't seen healthier torts, smooth and hard as rocks.

 

[diamondbp]

The most photogenic basker of the group

 

[diamondbp]

Morning soak and grazing photos.

Some have taken off with growth since moving primarily outside and others have literally halted in growth. It's strange to me and yet another puzzle I'm trying to figure out when it comes to this species.

I'm about to try leaving those who have stopped in growth in their inside enclosure to see if their growth picks back up.

Anyways ...enjoy the photos

 

[cmacusa3]

Great pics!

 

[MichaelS]

I'm about to try leaving those who have stopped in growth in their inside enclosure to see if their growth picks back up.

Are you thinking that the change of routine has caused them stress and that's why they not growing ?

 

[diamondbp]

Are you thinking that the change of routine has caused them stress and that's why they not growing ?

Absolutely. I think personality has a big play in this. But I've also noticed that some tortoises seem to have different personalities depending on which other tortoises they are around, which makes it even more complicated. Lol

 

[wellington]

Nice looking group you have going there. Don't forget there could also be the possibility of bullying causing the weight slow down. Just throwing it out there.

 

[diamondbp]

Can you spot the young female ? Lol She always eats first then goes hide.

 

[diamondbp]

Nice looking group you have going there. Don't forget there could also be the possibility of bullying causing the weight slow down. Just throwing it out there.

I've considered that too. It's definitely possible that although no bullying is observed that that could change as certain ones grow and dynamics change. My older 3 are proof that personalities can do a 180 over night and then months later revert back to old passive personalities ....and vice versa.

Once my new house is complete I will be giving each leopard much more room as they grow.

 

[Yvonne G]

A baker's dozen? You have quite a few with aberrant scute patterns. those are my favorites. I especially love the one with too few scutes. So cute. The hiding one is under the hibiscus.

 

[diamondbp]

A baker's dozen? You have quite a few with aberrant scute patterns. those are my favorites. I especially love the one with too few scutes. So cute. The hiding one is under the hibiscus.

Out of the 17 I have 4 with aberrant scute patterns. I don't mind it at all. It gives them character. When they have smooth growth they really look the same. It's the pyramided ones that the aberrant scutes can really stand out.

 

[diamondbp]

My spotless p.pardalis is really getting some size now so I figured I would post a plastron shot that way we can monitor the change between now and adulthood. Any early guesses are welcome. It's tail is always pointing strait out vs swinging or being tucked. This is personally one of my favorite specimens even though it lacks the usual double dot pattern on SA leopards.

 

[Moozillion]

GOSH, Byron- those are GORGEOUS animals!!!!