Your care for a SA Leopard will be the same as for a sulcata, and either of those will need to be kept indoors for a while if you get them as hatchlings... it’s really great that you are doing all your homework now. I can’t wait to see your updates this time next year... your yard can easily be reinforced and modified to protect your patio and house from any tortoise as well. No matter what you decide, you can have the proper set up with a little planning. Good luck!Wow, what a beautiful tortoise. I have spoken with Tom and he is not expecting new SA Leopard hatchlings until January. May I ask how much yours weighs now and if he is outside year round?
I do understand this differently in terms of a hatchling (which we still want) in that care requirements for a very yourng tortoise are different and change. I see they need to be housed indoors for a couple years at least where they can live in specific conditions in regards to humidity, heat, UV, etc. Then there is a transitional time before really letting them live outdoors all the time (as I understand).
I'm not clear with the Leopard after it is old enough to live outdoors, how much I need to to be worried about humidity, bathing, and pyramiding? If the conditions are all ideal when young, will it be Ok after that? Do I still have to be concerned about severe pyramiding or it getting everything it needs (or will it regulate itself assuming food, water, shade, sun, etc are available)? Thanks!