Advice for new enclosure

[George red foot]

Looking to build a new enclosure for my 6 year old Red foot. Wanted some inspiration! Please put your pictures on this post please! I was considering a 2 story but I'm not sure either way yet so please share lots of pictures of your lovely vivs! Thank you

 

[pfara]

Here are pics I took a few minutes ago:




The plants are kinda growing a bit wild right now. Luckily, my reds are pretty good gardeners.

 

[lismar79]

 

[Yvonne G]

I always like to share this thread with redfoot keepers looking for inspiration:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/heres-dales-new-enclosure-picture-heavy.11023/

 

[George red foot]

Thank you! Beautiful vivs! Very natural looking with all the plants!

 

[George red foot]

Anymore advice or pics please guys! X

 

[pfara]

The most general advice I can give is:

1. Go as big as you can.
2. Try and position the lights and heat elements in strategic positions to maximize efficiency (ie. UVB lights over high traffic areas, CHEs over water sources to maintain higher humidity).
3. Lots of hiding spots for a sense of security in the forms of logs, plants, piles of leaves or moss.
4. Lights on timers and heat sources on thermostats so the enclosure runs itself.
5. Try not to drive yourself crazy figuring it all out. You don't have to make it look pretty. Make it functional for the health of your tortoise. Get the conditions right then change things around once temps and humidity is good.
6. We're here to try and help if you run into troubles along the way.

 

[George red foot]

thank you! What about waterproofing? I've seen people using shower curtains but George is a bit of a climber, wouldn't it rip?

 

[pfara]

thank you! What about waterproofing? I've seen people using shower curtains but George is a bit of a climber, wouldn't it rip?

I used 3 coats of water based polyurethane on the wood then used a thick pond liner for the inside.

 

[George red foot]

Thank you