Nesting leopard. Help!

[Jodie]

My leopard is nesting. This is the 2nd clutch this year. The problem is it is going to get really cold, really fast tonight. She is still digging. I set up a CHE over her, and will monitor her temperature. What temp do I need to make sure she doesn't go below?

 

[wellington]

With a Che over her she should be fine. How cold is it suppose to get?

 

[wellington]

Btw, I was up last night with mine laying. 2:00a.m. She was finally done. They don't pick the best times. It can take 2-10 hours to dig, and lay. Good luck.

 

[Jodie]

56F by midnight. Low is 49F.

 

[wellington]

I would not let her go below 75 my opionion. But @Tom might be able to help better here.

 

[Jodie]

Last time she was up until 2AM as well. Dumb tortoises. Last time though it was early Aug, so a CHE kept her warm enough.

 

[Jodie]

75 is what I was thinking. Maybe a CHE on each side.

 

[wellington]

Can you maybe put a couple sides up around her to help keep the heat in and any wind off her without disturbing her too much ?

 

[wellington]

Oh and if you have wild life around like skunks or coons, be prepared to scare them off. I had to scare a skunk away twice last night. I used a spray water hose. They will dig up the eggs and I'm sure fight and bite her to get them. Luckily it was last night, it was hot and humid. Tonight it's getting colder. Good luck hope all goes well

 

[wellington]

Also if you have a point and shoot temp gun those are great for this situation

 

[Jodie]

Thank you for the quick response. We don't have predators, maybe stray cat. A box is a good idea. She is up against a shed so that would be easy.

 

[Jodie]

Also if you have a point and shoot temp gun those are great for this situation

Using it like crazy. Scared to death of burning her.

 

[dmmj]

I think setting up 2 is a good idea it's only temporary until the crazy tortoise is done

 

[Jodie]

2 CHE'S and prepared to build a house around her if I have to. Crazy tortoise indeed.

 

[leigti]

Do you have a big plastic bin you could put around her? Or a sheet of plastic? Plastic bin lids? I don't know I'm just throwing things out there.

 

[Jodie]

9 eggs.

 

[Jodie]

Do you have a big plastic bin you could put around her? Or a sheet of plastic? Plastic bin lids? I don't know I'm just throwing things out there.

I was going to build a house around her lol. 2 che's did the trick. She is maintaining82.

 

[wellington]

Wow that seemed quick. That's how many I had last night. Mine dug for 8 hours then went another hour laying.

 

[Jodie]

She started digging about 3 this afternoon. Hope she covers it quicker than she dug it. Once she started laying it was one after another.
Thanks for your help!

 

[Tom]

My sulcatas always started laying in Dec or Jan when night temps were in the 40 and sometimes 30s. A CHE or heat lamp is all I ever needed. That and time.