we get our first two leopards on Sunday!

[tortugatamer]

So excited! I have been getting ready for this day for 2 months now! Our enclosure is all set up and has been running for a month, plants are growing and ready for hiding under or being nibbled on. tomorrow's going to be the longest day ever!

 

[jtrux]

Are you picking them up? I didn't know that you could get them shipped on Sundays...

Anyways, I was very excited when I got mine so I definitely know how you feel. Where did you get them from?

 

[tortugatamer]

Yes, we are picking them up in Georgetown. There is a man named mark who breeds them that we met at the last expo that rolled through. He follows fife's methods and even insisted on us using humidity as an inti pyramid technique at the expo. That's one of the reasons I went with him.

 

[wellington]

YA, how exciting. You will love them. I still can't get over how cute mine is and I have had him since May, 2011. My only mistake, I only got one oh ya, and that i didn't find this forum soon enough

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BTW, just incase you haven't read them yet. Toms threads at the bottom of my post are the perfect way to raise your Leo's. even the sulcata threads. They are raised the same.

 

[tortugatamer]

I hear you on that! I had built my whole enclosure the wrong (dry) way. Well I switched some stuff around and now I'm on the right track. I was on the fence about two but we have the space, resources and budget so I caved

Yea I have! You sent me to those threads on the first day I was on here!

 

[LeopardTortLover]

How exciting!

 

[Irwin4530]

Congrats!
that is very exciting......dont forget to post TONS of pictures!!

 

[Tom]

Can I suggest you get either one or three? Pairs are not a good idea. There is a thread with more explanation in my signature. Its called "Pairs".

 

[tortugatamer]

We were planning on getting the third after they get big enough to go outside permanently/sex. Can they be aggressive as juveniles? We just don't want to end up with 2.1 and have her under constant harassment. We also have 3 hides, several site blockers, & lots of plants to hide amongst. Just to give you an idea of our set up. And if bulling does happen we do and are prepared to separate. And keep separate.

 

[Tom]

I wouldn't do it. Pair dynamics are often a bad thing. There does not have to be any overt aggression for the less dominant one to feel intimidated and stressed. Just the presence of the other one is enough. They are solitary animals and prefer to not have to share. In groups they do better, but in a one on one situation one animal will always be the loser. In the wild he would leave the area and go find his own space. In our enclosures he can't get away. When there are three or more, it is just a different dynamic.

BTW, leopards are usually pretty mild mannered about this stuff. Many people keep multiple male adults in large yards together without issue, so I wouldn't worry too much about the sex ratio. All the things you are doing do help this problem, but they don't eliminate it.

 

[tortugatamer]

Blargh! I was afraid of that. Looks like we will only get one or a second enclosure.

 

[Tom]

Blargh! I was afraid of that. Looks like we will only get one or a second enclosure.

Hey. Look at my signature. I'm all about getting more tortoises.

A second enclosure is a great idea.

Whatever you choose, good luck, and post pics for us. Sounds like you found a good source.

 

[tortugatamer]

I hear ya. I have three dogs, three chickens (they also do better as trios), might as well keep it even. And I'm ready to take so many photos. Thanks for the advice.

 

[jtrux]

Hmmm, I think I know who you are talking about. He had sulcatas and leopards if iirc. Tall blonde guy? Personally, id look elsewhere, I was not impressed with him but thats just me. I didnt think his animals looked all that good....

 

[tortugatamer]

I didn't think he was tall, and I thought he had brown hair. But nothing is written in stone. If they look sick, I'll just wait till warmer weather and order online.

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

You have done your homework, you are totally ready. Trust your gut instinct. 1 more day!!!! Most importantly.... POST LOTS OF PICS!!

 

[jtrux]

Hmmm, maybe it's a different guy but the guy I spoke with was from Georgetown...pretty random lol. But you're right, if they look good get 'em!

 

[jtrux]

Well, today is the day!!!

 

[tortugatamer]

***Drum roll***

Enter The Dread Pirate Rufus the Toofless!!

 

[immayo]

So cute!