Hi All,

I have a leopard over 1 months now, he is over 1 year old. I am making plans for his outdoor enclosure where he will be based in the summer months here in Ireland.

Regarding keeping him outside over night, i was thinking of building an indoor area which has an entry into his outdoor area which will of course all be enclosed, this indoor area will be heating to around 20-24 degress C at night.

My questions are:

• Does anyone have any suggestions on design or building tips for the indoor section?
• What are peoples experiences with this, as the evening and night comes and temperatures drop does their tortoise go inside and get warm or just sit there outside? I am just worried sick about the idea of him not going inside and being outside at night when tempatures drop.

Thanks in advance.

Michael

One really bad thing about Leopards is that they don't normally use heated enclosures or houses. That is they don't normally go in on their own. So, you are going to have to be sure to put them in at night.

A popular thing in the UK are Cold frames. These see to really extend the season for keeping tortoises outdoors.

As small as he is right now I'd suggest just putting him out during the day and bringing him in at night.

Also make sure he is in a fence covered area so no predators can get to him.

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Ed @ not allowed to post a link
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

hi i agree with Ed leopards really cant be relied on to return to the shed so you need to make sure they are in at night or if the weather turns bad during the day.

terry

I have a shed for my adults 6x4 it is fully insulated.
They have a large outside enclosure where they can eat their own food (i never give tham any extra)
I let them out about mid day this time of year once fully warmed up. But i dont advise this for younger leopards.

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