New Leopard Tortoise

[DrLew]

Turtle gang:
I was at the Tampa show this past weekend and picked up a gorgeous little leopard tortoise. While I did a bit of research, there isn' t much out there regarding neonates. This little guy is out of the egg maybe a month, and while the guy who I got it from was helpful, he wasn't to clear about managing a little guy. Got him set up in a 10 gal aquarium with a neodynium light, heat pad for the night time, and got him out into the sun for about 30 minutes or so the last couple of days. Soaked him in warm water when I got him home.
Got some tortoise food - name escapes me as I am at work right now....but it is comprised of the natural grasses that leopard live on in the wild.
Any other helpful hints?

[llovelace]

Post pics of the little fella

[DrLew]

[llovelace]

Simply adorable! How big will it get?

[West Coast Jungle]

I love my leopard.
here is a link with some good tips
http://www.africantortoise.com/

[DrLew]

Simply adorable! How big will it get?

From what I've read - not very big 10-17 inches and anywhere from 6-25 lbs.
They can live to be 100 years old!!!!!!

[DrLew]

He's been awfully sluggish and can't really tell if he's been eating?
I've got him under a UVa and UVb lamp - hot end is around 100 - cool end around 75 - i've been soaking him x 10 minutes in 85' water daily.
Is this normal behavior for a hatchling? All the info I can find pertains to adults, any help out there would be appreciated?????

[CTReptileRescue]

The reason that you have only been able to find adult Leopard tortoise care sheets is because it is against federal law to sell any type of neonate chelonia.
He is a very cute little fellow, but the sad fact is they are (besides sulcata)one of the most "throw away", or rescued torts in the American states.
I am happy to leave the following links for you, the first will explain the
4" law, and the second is a very good care sheet for leopards...
I will also advise you to take the animal to a reputable herp vet (I will also give a link that may help you find a herp D.V.M. in your area)

4" Law:
http://www.tortoise.org/general/4inch.html

Care sheet:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/care/cpardalis.html

Veterinarian in your local area (hopefully you can use this link to find one, But I couldn’t emphasize enough how important this will be in that beautiful tort’s life and comfort:
http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

If any of these links don't work please feel free to let me know.
Again you have a beautiful little animal, and I hope he/she fares well.
I hope this has helped somewhat...
Rusty

[DrLew]

Thanks for the info Rusty -
There were and always are CB hatchlings for sale at any and all reptile shows that I've been to. Didin't realize that there were laws prohibiting selling CB hatchlings?

[CTReptileRescue]

Thanks for the info Rusty -
There were and always are CB hatchlings for sale at any and all reptile shows that I've been to. Didin't realize that there were laws prohibiting selling CB hatchlings?

No problem at all, I hope any or some of my info helped.
Yes, there has been a ban since 1975 (wether I agree or not isn't the issue)
Here is a great link with some info straight from the Center of Veterinary Medicine from the US FDA:

http://www.fda.gov/cvm/turtles.htm

This is always good for anyone in the turtle / tortoise hobby.
Hope this explains a little more about the laws regarding.
There are always things you can do in the LEGAL manner if you or anyone else doesn't agree with this law. Again being a responsible keeper is always step number one. (Easier to get your issue across when you're being a responsible party in our hobby)
Sorry just went on a sideways rant, but again hope this helps,
Thanks
Rusty