Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Can someone give me a run-down on the similarities and/or differences between Golden Greek care and Hatching Leopard Care? Temps, diet, substrate, etc.

This is just for my reference.

Wendy

These two have somewhat similar needs. Both like it fairly hot and dry, but the Leopard can stand much more humidity than the Golden Greek can. The GG will not fare well if you let too much moisture occur in it's tank. I have mine outside now, but this has only been after a lot of problems with respiratory troubles. They have finally adapted. Golden Greeks are about the ONLY tortoise I would say may be better off indoors where you can control the humidity somewhat. I don't say that lightly because I don't think you should keep torts indoors.

They both should have an ambient temperature no less than 75 or 80 degrees during the day, with a basking area around 90 degrees or so. They need UV lights and all that, of course. Nights should be allowed to cool to whatever room temp they are in, if it is comfortable for you humans in the house. Many people make the mistake of keeping them too hot at night. This is the cause of many "unknown" health problems. All reptiles like it to be cooler at night than during the day. Having a more humid spot to retire to when they want is good, especially for the leopard. Like with any animal, give it choices in environement and you can't go wrong.

I have already discussed what I think as far as feeding, and they both would have similar food needs, with the leopard needing more grass and the GG needing more green leafies. Very little fruit for either.

I always use a special type of substrate for all of my tortoises on the occasion that I have to keep them in a small enclosure indoors, which is only when I have very small youngsters, basically. I call it POCD and it works like a charm. (Plain Old California Dirt.) They can eat it and it won't hurt them a bit.

Hot and dry is the word for the Golden.

Leopards are more of a grazer and the goldens are more on browsing. Grasses (or Mazuri) for the leopards and Dark broad leaf Greens (or Mazuri) for the Goldens.
Ed