Deck box as nest box.

[Itort]

With winter coming on and a gravid RF, I made a nest box from a 3'x2'x2' deck box.

It has about 5" of peat/top soil w/ 1.5" top dressing hardwood mulch. Heat is provided by 150 watt CHE and humidity by reptifogger. It's running about 85 degrees and has high humidity (haven't measured yet).

 

[Crazy1]

Larry she looks like she will be nice and cosy in there. Good luck with the eggs.

 

[Isa]

Nice nest box Larry.

Good luck to her and keep us updated please

 

[egyptiandan]

Looks great Larry I would though add a few more inches of substrate, another 3 inches. I would also remove the water dish as that cuts down on her choice of nesting areas.

Danny

 

[Redfoot NERD]

I agree with Danny.. I figure 'at least' 2/3 their SCL deep - nesting substrate. Half their SCL + the length of the hind legs

NERD

 

[Itort]

I agree with Danny.. I figure 'at least' 2/3 their SCL deep - nesting substrate. Half their SCL + the length of the hind legs

NERD

It is done and water dish in daytime in out at nite.

 

[janiedough]

ok this thread leads to a question i had posted in my bundle up for winter thread...

if it is below 60* outside, should you allow your tort to stay in a container with a hole in it. Meaning should we even give them the option of going outside if it is below 60* or would it be better to leave the container without a way to get out?

 

[Itort]

This box is being used inside as a nesting box for a tropical rainforest tortoise. To answer your question. The room that she is in is heated to about 72 degrees and the enclosure with a 150 watt ceremic emitter it is running about 85 to 90 degrees with a five inch vent hole on top. This enclosure has about 10 inches soil to hold heat. With these conditions, I therorize that you could raise temp outside a maximum of 10 or 15 degrees. This would be with a flexiable covering over entrance.

 

[Laura]

I saw boxes similar to that at K mart. Cheaper then rubbermade shed. dont recall the brand. And thought it could be made into a hide with heat for torts! good job!