Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,
After careful consideration for a very long time, I have decided that the time is right to enter the world of tortoise keeping. Rob from RJ's Exotics in Nashua NH is currently searching for a quality pair of Leopards for me. I am in no hurry to get just the right animals, but am focusing on the Snow Leopards in the 4-10 inch range. While the search is underway, I'd like to get started on the indoor enclosure & have everything as correct as possible when the right animals are located. Living in New Hampshire, they will be indoors most of the year. I am an experienced woodworker, so I can build any type of enclosure that will work best, or I can use a Vision type enclosure if that would be a better way to go. What I need to know at this point is the lighting, heat, ventilation, humidity & size requirements that I'll need to reproduce. I'd like to have the system up & running for a week or so before the Leopards arrive just to make sure I've got it right. Also, if someone can provide a "laundry" list of the items I should start rounding up that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help/advice offerred. Looking forward to connecting with anyone local who is a tortoise fan!
Davey

Keeping leopards in the NE is a real challenge.

A total enclosure is probably the best way to go for good control in the case of a leopard.

If you're being charged extra bucks for a 'snow leopard' (haven't seen that name before but I like it)I really don't think you should waste your money. Most leopards raised in a totally artificial enclosure usually come out all white (don't know why) regardless of the genetics.

There is a reputable shop near you (not really that far) in upstate NY called Freds Pets. He moved from Spring Valley to I don't know where but I'm sure you can find him on the net. He's got a fantastic reputation. You can ask him about Snow or Blonde leopards.

If you look at the above post on pyramiding it lays out exactly the conditions you are looking for.

>>Hello All,
>> After careful consideration for a very long time, I have decided that the time is right to enter the world of tortoise keeping. Rob from RJ's Exotics in Nashua NH is currently searching for a quality pair of Leopards for me. I am in no hurry to get just the right animals, but am focusing on the Snow Leopards in the 4-10 inch range. While the search is underway, I'd like to get started on the indoor enclosure & have everything as correct as possible when the right animals are located. Living in New Hampshire, they will be indoors most of the year. I am an experienced woodworker, so I can build any type of enclosure that will work best, or I can use a Vision type enclosure if that would be a better way to go. What I need to know at this point is the lighting, heat, ventilation, humidity & size requirements that I'll need to reproduce. I'd like to have the system up & running for a week or so before the Leopards arrive just to make sure I've got it right. Also, if someone can provide a "laundry" list of the items I should start rounding up that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help/advice offerred. Looking forward to connecting with anyone local who is a tortoise fan!
>>Davey
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Thanks for the insight, EJ.

As far as the setup goes, I'm finding lots of good info right here on this forum from all of you who have experience with tortoise keeping. What I still can't find though is a list of all the little "things" I need to purchase to get set up such as heat pads, which light fixtures to buy & that sort of thing.