Hi, I have just been given a 2yr old Leopard Tortoise  Am really excited as have always wanted one, just didnt expect a Leopard as they can get quite large. I have the space to house him both inside & out, but due to the rain am keeping him indoors at present. He has a basking lamp & UVB strip bulb and is in a well ventilated enclosure,although he spends most of his time hiding in a shelter. I am currently feeding him a mix of kale, dandilion and very small amounts of alfalfa hay with some crushed grassland tortoise pellets (am also giving calcium supplement). Is this ok until I can get him outside on the grass? The place my partner got him from said he would be fine on just the pellets & hay, but I know these are often too high in protine or fibre, causing problems. 

Any suggestions would be great, Thanks Becky

Hi Becky and

I don't have personal experience with Leopards but here is the link to the  TPG care sheet

http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/123.asp

How exciting, and great that you have the facilities to house S/he when they gets  bigger. Sounds like you have already started to research what they need and the care sheet should be a help, I know one of the TPG admin own leopards, so you will get plenty of help and have come to the right site
Look forward to hearing more

Jane, Keya & Molly
  

Thanks for the link!

I try to learn as much as possible and adapt the best bits of information from several sources, but it is always good to talk to someone with first hand experience.

I think my tortiose is male if the 'V' vs 'U' technique of sexing works as well with Leopards, if so the he is called Trevor! I have managed to put him outside when it was sunny yesterday and given him a bath.

How often is it best to give them a bath? When I did work experience at a zoo we did it once a week, but I think that was purely due to having a large amount to get through.

Thanks for your help

Becky & Trevor