Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I'm from Austin Texas and have been contemplating getting a tortoise for about 6 months now. I have done my research, and thought a lot about making this investment in a pet, and think I am finally ready to purchase one. The type of tortoise I am thinking about getting is the Leopard tortoise since I think it may be the most compatable to my lifestyle.

I understand the Leopard tortoise is a bit more docile than the Sulcata and this is important to me. I also have read that they like warm temperatures. I intend on getting a baby, and keeping it mostly indoors in a turtle box, or outdoors under supervision until he gets bigger. When my tortoise gets bigger, I intend on having a small pool in the backyard and letting him graze there most of the year.

So, here are my questions:

1. I live in Austin Texas -- it only really gets below 60 here in the winter months and during this time I expect to keep my tortoise inside at times of the day when it is cooler. It can get as hot as 105 in the summer, but not in the shade, and I will have a pool for my tortoise when he lives outside. Most of the time, the temperature night or day is between 70 - 95 degrees farenheit. it is usually between 60 and 70 percent humidity. Do I live in the right climate for a leopard tortoise?

2. I know leopard tortoises like to swim, but are they afraid of rain? Is it ok to keep my adult tortoise outside in the rain?

3. What is everyone's experience on the temperment of a leopard tortoise?

4. I've heard that the leopard tortoise typically eats his size in food everyday -- is this true always or only the first few years when he is growing?

5. Just in case I'm barking up the wrong tree, other than a leopard tortoise and Sulcata are there any other species I should consider in Austin, TX?

Thanks so much!

Hello
a leopard tortoise would do fine were you live.
i have a breeder friend who lives in Texas and his have done well
your temps are very similar to where I live in southern Ca.
Leopard tortoises like to soak not swim
They will die if they fall in a pool
They are not designed for swimming in deep water
a shallow ,slopping soaking pool is recommended maybe 4 or 5 inches deep at the most for adults is fine.
The bottom scutes of the carapace is the rule for me.
They come from africa very small amount of rain fall where they come from.
Most of their water intake is from plant matter.
Plant saucers work well for water dishes too or just add a sprinkler in the pen and turn it on.
Puddles work great.
They love when it rains.
I allow them access to a dry heated shelter year round.
They come out almost every day of the year except for during cold spells.
A redfoot, burmese brown or black could work for you also with an addition of a misting system and shade plants.
They are large but not to big like sulcatas.
They also do better with higher humidity levels.
Leopards are very social and mine follow me around for food.
The males tend to be more shy.
Richard Fife writes a good book about leopard tortoises.
Hope this helps
Jeff
Planet Reptiles