Enclosure size

Megatron's Mom

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I'm making the enclosure that Sterant posted about. https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/b...-pvc-enclosed-chamber-–-for-beginners.159220/

I can't get my hands on 4x8 sheets but I can get them 2x4. It will be more finesse but I can make it work. I tried to order them but it was cancelled again. I tried sign shops and just get a run around. Lowe's carries 2x4 so I'm going to make it work.

Here's my question. How long will one 4 foot closed enclosure get me with a leopard tortoise? It will be just a baby. Trying to figure out if I need to start right off the bat with an 8 foot enclosure?

I know in the long run the cost is the same but breaking up the cost on those boards might feel better on the pocket.
 

wellington

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No a four by four will last 2 maybe 3 years. But when full grown, a 4x8 won't be big enough. It will need a room size enclosure as adults or around 3 to 4 years or so or live outside 24/7.
It also needs to be a closed chamber with high humidity from hatchling to about 3 years.
 

Megatron's Mom

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No a four by four will last 2 maybe 3 years. But when full grown, a 4x8 won't be big enough. It will need a room size enclosure as adults or around 3 to 4 years or so or live outside 24/7.
It also needs to be a closed chamber with high humidity from hatchling to about 3 years.
Thank you. That is exactly what I needed to know. I will build an outdoor enclosure with plenty room. I just needed to know how fast I needed to move.
 

Tom

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I'm making the enclosure that Sterant posted about. https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/building-your-own-expanded-pvc-enclosed-chamber-–-for-beginners.159220/

I can't get my hands on 4x8 sheets but I can get them 2x4. It will be more finesse but I can make it work. I tried to order them but it was cancelled again. I tried sign shops and just get a run around. Lowe's carries 2x4 so I'm going to make it work.

Here's my question. How long will one 4 foot closed enclosure get me with a leopard tortoise? It will be just a baby. Trying to figure out if I need to start right off the bat with an 8 foot enclosure?

I know in the long run the cost is the same but breaking up the cost on those boards might feel better on the pocket.
A normally growing leopard tortoise baby will out grow a 2x4 foot enclosure in a few months. Maybe 6-8 months if its a slow growing regular leopard.

A South African will outgrow a 4x8 footer in 18-24 months in most cases.
 

Megatron's Mom

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A normally growing leopard tortoise baby will out grow a 2x4 foot enclosure in a few months. Maybe 6-8 months if its a slow growing regular leopard.

A South African will outgrow a 4x8 footer in 18-24 months in most cases.
Thanks, very good to know. I'll go as big as I can.
 

Megatron's Mom

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A normally growing leopard tortoise baby will out grow a 2x4 foot enclosure in a few months. Maybe 6-8 months if its a slow growing regular leopard.

A South African will outgrow a 4x8 footer in 18-24 months in most cases.
Tom, would a South African Leopard be ready for outside full time at 18-24months?
 

jaizei

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Have you tried a plastics supplier instead of sign shops?
 

Megatron's Mom

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Have you tried a plastics supplier instead of sign shops?
I did Google a few and the cost for them was nuts. Most had a minimum amount I needed to buy.
I have someone checking tomorrow if they would be able to order them for me through HD. If the price is right I'll go through them.
 
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