TortoiseForum.org

This weekend I finally found a couple of hours to work on my Hermann's enclosure. I'd been thinking about adding a little length to what I had, because it was hard to keep the old setup from getting to dry to soon.

I also started planting Dandellions and Hawkbit in small pots inside the enclosure, and needed a little more room.

For the record, this was the old setup.

And here are the pics of the new one (double the size of the first):



The enclosure is split(able) in half. This is good for cleaning.



On the left side, over the hide, I have a ceramic heater keeping air temps at 70ºF (night and day). I had it a little lower at first, but the tort wouldn't come out...



Yes, that's Alfalfa Hay next to the grass pot. I know it has to much protein. Just didn't know it when I bought it... I'll change that later on (my tort doesn't really pay any atention to it anyway).







The day's menu consisting of weeds, clover & turnip greens.



Ceramic Heater is on a thermostat.



Transplanted feeders:



Dandellion and Hawkbit:




I'm still monitoring things cause this change is only 2 days old. Feddback is welcome and appreciated.

I think it looks fantastic. I think you have enough going on around the outer edges that the transparacy of tote is not going to be an issue with your little one. I love the idea of cheap caging and cutting the sides of those two totes and putting them together was excellent. What type of containers is the dandelion in? They almost look like PVC pieces, which would be a great idea. (*heads to the supply store!) Inexpensive caging ideas are really helpful for newcomers trying to setup a new cage after the expense of purchasing a tort hatchling and ideas like this one can help them to do so and not be out a ton of $$. Thanks for sharing.

Anja,
This is Indeed a cheap solution. The plastic containers cost 6,00Euros each. As you said, I simply cut off one side in each and lined them together.

As for the transparency, the only side that needed taping was the far letf one (see the 3rd pic). Everyother side is covered with pots or walls, etc

The dandelion containers are ceramic, made by IKEA. We had a bunch of them lying around that were outgrown by some cactus a while ago.

I have asked Josh to sticky this thread so that it stays at the top of the Enclosures board. This is a great resource for new tort owners!

Your set-up looks great. I am inspired to redo my hatchlings. Yours looks alot more fun! What is the substrate you used?

Dee

Thank you for your comments.

That's Coconut Husk as substrate (Bead a Beast type stuff). Comes in the form of a brick that expands with water.

Wonderful set-up
Ok, I am inspired, now I am redoing mine!

Okay so you have definatly motivated me to being more creative. Right now I have a UV light and heat lamp. You have 3 lamps. I'm really really really new at all this. Can you give me your best recomentations and tell me about your Ceramic heater/thermostat and what it does, along with your other lights, and why you placed them where they are?

Thanks!
kat

Awesome set up!! I never thought about the two totes together before....now I am going to have to try it! Looks GREAT!! Thank for sharing!

WOW!!! Now I really have "enclosure envy" (and resourcefulness regret). Sure wish I'd found this forum and your wonderful post when our little Farishta wandered into our yard the beginning of this month before I went on a clueless shopping rampage and spent us homeless trying (and repeatedly failing!) to get her set up properly.

Super job, and many thanks for the exceptionally helpful and detailed info for the new tort "parents"!!

-Brenda K