NoxidMullac
Member
6 months ago I acquired two baby Leopard tortoises (mistake no.1) after reassurances from the breeder that of all the tortoise species, Leopards in particular do well in pairs owing to their placid nature. I am from the UK and took a lot of time to research a reputable breeder and did not hesitate to follow the advice provided word-for-word (mistake no.2). My babies seemed healthy and happy with no outward signs of ill health or distress, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were not “thriving” in my care. The first thing that alerted me to this was their poor weight gain and more recently their slow and sluggish behaviour. So I did what I do best, and researched! Call me old fashioned, but I have always been sceptical handling online information and so my source of knowledge has always been in books and the local library. And so I read, and read, and read. It quickly became apparent that these texts were long outdated and the advice was clearly archaic. Frustrated, I didn’t know where to turn until, by absolute chance, I stumbled across the Tortoise Forum! I have only been here one week and already I have learned more during this time than I have in the past year. The Leopard Care Sheet from Tom is an outstanding resource, and so too is the “beginners mistakes”. It became clear to me reading through a variety of threads and topics how experienced many of the keepers here are, and how generous you all are with your time and expertise. I am deeply upset and angry with myself that I have made these mistakes, but I am thankful that I have found this resource which will enable me to rectify these quickly ... in fact, I have made a start and already seeing results!!
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and give you my sincerest gratitude. I look forward to continuing my learning among this wonderful community.
Many thanks,
Callum (from the UK)
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and give you my sincerest gratitude. I look forward to continuing my learning among this wonderful community.
Many thanks,
Callum (from the UK)