I'm in the research phase to figure out which type of tortoise to get and have a question.

For those of you that have them, do Leopard torts dig less than Sulcatas? I like the generally smaller size the Leopards get to (the Babcocki) and not acting like a miner would be a plus. If the Leopards do dig, it might be worth a little extra size anyway.

Those who have kept both, which way would you point me and why?

I'm in the research phase to figure out which type of tortoise to get and have a question.

For those of you that have them, do Leopard torts dig less than Sulcatas? I like the generally smaller size the Leopards get to (the Babcocki) and not acting like a miner would be a plus. If the Leopards do dig, it might be worth a little extra size anyway.

Those who have kept both, which way would you point me and why?


Leopard tortoises don't burrow. Since you mention small size and burrowing as criteria, those are your best bet.

If you're worried about burrowing definitely stick with the leopard. My 22" sulcata has dug a burrow about 3' long and 2' deep so far in the corner of his pen that he sleeps in every night. I'm glad he has the environment to do what comes natural, but if you're not prepared for their digging it could be a huge hassle. Good luck. :cheers:

Leopards WILL dig. Just not nearly as much or burrow like the Spurred. My buddy has a couple pairs of adults and they dig under his deck all the time and make pretty large divots in his back yard.

All tortoise species have the ability to dig. That is a given, without which they wouldn't be able to bury their eggs.

Leopards WILL dig. Just not nearly as much or burrow like the Spurred. My buddy has a couple pairs of adults and they dig under his deck all the time and make pretty large divots in his back yard.

I wouldn't mind tearing up the place, it's the 15' burrows I wouldn't want to deal with.

I know each animal is individual, but is there a general personality type with the Leopards (shy, outgoing, aggresive)?

I wouldn't mind tearing up the place, it's the 15' burrows I wouldn't want to deal with.

I know each animal is individual, but is there a general personality type with the Leopards (shy, outgoing, aggresive)?

My little leopard who is 2 yrs old now, has a great personality. I do spend a lot of time interacting with her, dragging her from the house to her outdoor pen and hand feeding her, etc.

My sulcata will race towards me when he sees me knowing I'm either feeding him or letting him out to feed in our yard. He's not excited to see me, just hungry. I haven't seen this in the leopard yet, but I think her personality will be really close. He is also a he who has reached sexual maturity and is only aggressive towards mostly potted plants, the bottom of my shoe, anything that resembles a male tortoise. Not sure how the male Leopards are as I have a small female. If you house the males alone, I wouldn't think you would have any worries at all as they won't be aggressive towards you.

I wouldn't mind tearing up the place, it's the 15' burrows I wouldn't want to deal with.



Generally G. sulcata burrows to escape heat, so burrowing can be dependent on your summer temperatures and whether they have a cooler place to go to, or not, during summer.