dimensions for night box - suggestions please

[jfales]

I measured Mac today. (He is our 23 year old Sulcata male soon destined for Arizona from NM.) I approximated his weight at 100 pounds. I haven't actually attempted to lift him, however. I measured his shell today using a sewing measuring tape. He is 30" from front to back and 26" side to side. I approximated his resting height at 12 inches, using a metal tape. He is pyramided (picture attached). I am going to attempt to build a house for him like Tom's. What width would you make the door? I saw a previous post by Tom that suggested 26" X 17". I think the 26" is too small; of course, I could measure with a metal tape as well (smaller without the curvature).

Any ideas on weight based on your own sulcatas?
Thank you.
Janine

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View attachment mac1.pdf

Here is Mac!

 

[Tom]

You want the door as small as possible to hold in your heat, but if its too small they might have a hard time getting in and out. I would not go more than 28" wide for your door. A 4x4' box will fit him fine.

He is a perfect candidate for a radiant heat panel and pig blanket combo. Like this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-86632.html

 

[jfales]

Based on the size, I'm guessing this is the 120 W RHP. Yes?

Thank you very much Tom! I will do the best I can to replicate your design. I will also measure his width tomorrow rather than the distance over the shell. He may be closer to 23" wide.
I really appreciate you sharing your experiences and expertise.

Janine

 

[Tom]

My RHP in that photo is the 80 watt. Its 12x21" approx.

I made a night box once with a door to fit my sulcatas. Well they grew. Big surprise, huh? They had no problem squeezing through a door way that was actually too small for them. I'd watch them come in and out and they would just shove and shimmy until they pushed through. It was never a problem. I soon made a new enclosure with a bigger door, but my point is that even when the door was too small, they still made it work.

 

[jfales]

Thanks again! I am looking forward to Mac's reaction to the new box!