Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all,

I have been keeping a baby leopard and baby sulcata outdoors in Houston this summer after bringing them back from San Antonio around May. Since then, both of them have become less active, sleep a lot, and I was wondering if the increased humidity (San Antonio is drier) had anything to do with it? Or is it simply the increased heat as well? They still eat, but seem less eager and recently, my sulcata started shedding around his face. They have full access to grasses and weeds where they graze, but then they retreat into shade very quickly.

Is this inactivity normal? Should I move them back indoors instead?
Thanks.

I live in the Houston area and I keep my 6 sulcatas, the youngest of which is around 2 yrs old, outside full time. They can definitely get pretty lazy when its really hot and humid out but overall they don't have any problems, they just just go in their shed, get in the shade or get in the water if they get too hot. It might be too extreme of a climate for babies but I would think they would be fine as long as they have access to plenty of shade and water they can get in to cool them selves off if they need to.

Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply. Glad to know someone in the Houston area who can relate to the climate.

My guy's about 1 year old at most I think (got him at the San Antonio Reptile Expo back in September 07). Bought 2 but the first one died over winter indoors so I'm being extra careful with the remaining one.

What do you feed yours regularly? I usually let mine forage on weeds in my patch but when I bring him inside his rubbermaid bin at night, he lives on a bedding of timothy grass (which he eats) and newspapers. Occasionally I give him cactus pads (fresh napolitos), hibiscus leaves, and very rarely dark leafy vegetables from the supermarket. I wish I could give him more dandelions like I used to back in SA, but for some reason, it seems they're harder to find here..maybe better lawn services?

Although his shell isn't super soft, I do feel it can be harder in the center since his plastron easily moves in when i gently squeeze him.

Do you also soak yours regularly?

For some reason, sulcatas have proven to be extremely delicate in my care; however, my leopards and redfoots (as well as all the water turtles) seem to thrive easily.

Thanks again.

Just to clarify, his rubbermaid bin (also housing the leopard baby) is also outside on my patio, not inside the house. I usually leave him in an enclosed space around the weed patch in the mornings and then bring him back into the bin at night.

Mine get Mazuri and fresh vegetables(red and green leaf lettuce, cactus pads, carrots, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, broccoli) 2-3 times a week, but they have access to grass, coastal hay, and a lot of fallen leaves from the trees around here all the time. Occasionally I'll give them some fruit as well(apples, grapes, watermelon, tomatoes, etc). I do have some hibiscus plants but my large male and female, which are 30-50 lbs each would devour them within minutes if I put them in their enclosure. Mine have access to water they can get in all the time, I don't ever soak them but they soak themselves if they get too hot or dry. I would definitely make sure that they have access to water they can soak in all the time but other than that your setup sounds fine to me.

if either of you live on the north side of houston there is a feed store on 1960 and stubner airline called hyden feed. they stock mazuri tort. chow a 20lb bag is like 20$. thats like half what you pay online after shipping. there is also another feed store on the south side but i forgot the name if i remember it i will post it.

Yeah, I have a feed store about 5 minutes from my house that has it for 23.00

where at? whats the name of the feed store?

I'm a little south of Houston, in Alvin, the feed store is called Steinhauser's.

cool its always good to know where to get the good stuff!