Leopard Tortoises As Pets
February 25th 2010 18:58
If you're looking for a large tortoise to keep in your backyard and you don't want a Sulcata tortoise, you may want to consider a leopard tortoise. These tortoises have a little more color than sulcatas, but they can be just as big. Although, in some cases they may only average around 30 pounds, leopard tortoises have the potential to be over 100 pounds.
You can house babies and juvenile tortoises in indoor enclosures, but as the tortoise grows, you'll need to put him outside. You will need to set up a secure fence so that the tortoise doesn't knock the current fence down. These guys can be quite destructive, especially if they don't have enough room.
Some people set up an outdoor dog kennel or run with a base so that the tortoise can't see out and want to bulldoze through. Sometimes these just aren't big enough for full-grown adults though, and it's just best to secure your entire yard.
So, as you can see, leopard tortoises just aren't a pet that you can expect to care for easily. They really do need housing considerations taken into thought before you bring one home.
And because the species grows fast, you'll need to make sure that you offer plenty of calcium and cuttlebones.
But other than that if you think that you can house and feed a leopard tortoise, they can make good pets. Just make sure that you let the tortoise come to you versus you go to them. You can't force a relationship with the tortoise.
On average, the species is not as outgoing, especially when compared to Sulcata tortoises, but that doesn't mean that with time your tortoise won't follow you around the yard to get your attention.
You can house babies and juvenile tortoises in indoor enclosures, but as the tortoise grows, you'll need to put him outside. You will need to set up a secure fence so that the tortoise doesn't knock the current fence down. These guys can be quite destructive, especially if they don't have enough room.
Some people set up an outdoor dog kennel or run with a base so that the tortoise can't see out and want to bulldoze through. Sometimes these just aren't big enough for full-grown adults though, and it's just best to secure your entire yard.
So, as you can see, leopard tortoises just aren't a pet that you can expect to care for easily. They really do need housing considerations taken into thought before you bring one home.
And because the species grows fast, you'll need to make sure that you offer plenty of calcium and cuttlebones.
But other than that if you think that you can house and feed a leopard tortoise, they can make good pets. Just make sure that you let the tortoise come to you versus you go to them. You can't force a relationship with the tortoise.
On average, the species is not as outgoing, especially when compared to Sulcata tortoises, but that doesn't mean that with time your tortoise won't follow you around the yard to get your attention.
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