Sure! Here’s a full guide to leopard tortoise care in the UK:
 
 
 
 
1. Housing
 
 
Indoors: Young leopard tortoises need a large tortoise table (not a glass tank, as it restricts airflow).
Outdoors: Adults do better with access to a secure outdoor pen in summer. In the UK, because of the cooler climate, they will need an indoor setup for much of the year.
 
 
Heating:
 
Daytime basking spot: 32–35°C.
Ambient daytime temperature: 24–28°C.
Night temperature: shouldn’t drop below 20°C.
Use a ceramic heat emitter or a mercury vapour bulb for heat and UVB.
 
 
UVB Lighting:
 
Essential for 10–12 hours a day when indoors.
Use a T5 UVB tube (10.0 or 12.0 strength) for proper UVB exposure.
 
 
 
 
 
2. Substrate
 
 
Best substrates:
Topsoil and playsand mix (70/30 ratio)
Coconut coir
 
Should be deep (at least 10–15 cm) to allow digging.
 
 
Avoid woodchips or reptile carpet, as they can cause impaction or injuries.
 
 
 
 
3. Diet
 
 
Herbivores: High-fibre, low-protein, calcium-rich diet.
Offer:
Grasses
Dandelion leaves
Plantain
Clover
Sowthistle
Occasionally hibiscus or cactus pads
 
Avoid: Fruit, high-sugar veggies, lettuce (too watery).
 
 
Calcium supplementation:
 
Dust food 3–4 times a week with a pure calcium powder (no added D3 if using UVB lighting).
 
 
 
 
 
4. Water
 
 
Always provide fresh water in a shallow, sturdy dish.
Soak young tortoises 3–4 times a week in lukewarm water for about 20–30 minutes.
 
 
 
 
 
5. Health
 
 
Watch for:
Pyramiding (due to incorrect humidity or diet)
Respiratory infections (caused by low temps)
 
Maintain moderate humidity (~40–60%) for young ones to avoid shell deformities.
 
 
 
 
 
6. Hibernation
 
 
Leopard tortoises DO NOT hibernate.
They must be kept warm and eating all year round.
 
 
 
 
 
7. Legalities (UK)
 
 
Leopard tortoises are listed under CITES Appendix II but do not require a license (Unlike Hermann’s or Spur-thighed tortoises).
Always buy from a reputable breeder (preferably UK captive-bred).