Enclosure

[koen88]

Indoor enclosure

 

[koen88]

Just starting a thread on my future indoor enclosure, based on this old closet. It will be around 160x45cm, for 2 juvenile (now 1.5 year old) redfoots! I will keep you posted

 

[leigti]

Oh I could have some fun with that definitely keep us posted. are you going to take the shells out and lay it flat or are you going to keep it upright like that and make a couple levels with the ramp? With a glass front possibly? Some people say not to use a glass front others say their tortoises don't have any problem with it.I will look forward to the updates.

 

[koen88]

Upright! I think I will indeed use the two levels, with a ramp. The first step exists of making two doors out of wood and add some windows (perhaps above eye sight of the tortoises). Then, I will cut holes in the wood where needed and cover the wood with epoxy resin (you know what I mean?... This is the best translation that google could provide). Lastly I will install equipment (such as sockets for lighting and a mist device). Think it will last serveral months but I guess I'll end up with a nice temporary hotel!

 

[DutchieAmanda]

Hey fellow Dutchie! Great idea with the closet! I'm also making plans on building a red foot enclosure, but think I will make it from scratch. I would be worried that the depth isn't enough on the longer term (what is their shell length?). So don't take too long building, otherwise they won't fit anymore if you're done

 

[koen88]

So what are you building? You have an idea? True, maybe there are ways to extend the depth a bit. However, it will be only for 2 years I guess. Now, they are about 10cm.

 

[DutchieAmanda]

I'm thinking about building a tortoise table with two lids, from wood and plexi glass, size around 120x80 for 1 young redfoot. If he gets bigger I'll use this enclosure as a second floor to a new larger enclosure. At least, that's the plan!

In 2 years they might be around 15 cm's. I would like a wider enclosure then (45 is 3 times shell lenght), but that's just my inexperienced opinion...

Were did you buy your tortoises?

 

[koen88]

True, it's only temporary so for the coming year it will be fine. After that year I will build a permanent enclosure. For now, I took the first steps today . The 2nd door is next on the list. Then, I'll start painting and apply epoxy, after the lights and mist maker are installed!

 

[koen88]

Time has passed, my temporary enclosure is finished

 

[Maro2Bear]

Looking pretty nice there in the Netherlands. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

 

[DutchieAmanda]

Looking good! What's the substrate you are using?

 

[stojanovski92113]

WOW!!!! Great job!!! And yes thank you for sharing your pics

 

[koen88]

Thanks all! The substrate is peat (the dried stuff, not The bags in the tuinwereld or intratuin, Amanda )

 

[Blgreek08]

This is freaking awesome! I want one!!!!! Wondering if there is a way to expand out the back so it's a little larger. I only have my torts in for the winter time, it would make a cool looking enclosure that doesn't take up a ton of space and ppl can admire. Plus you cam still use it as a tv stand! So cool!

 

[Yvonne G]

That looks great!

I'd like to give you a helpful hint: You were supposed to put the "dried stuff" into a bucket of hot water and let it expand. That way you get rid of the big chunks and it will be easier for the little tortoise to walk on. After it expands, you drain off the water and press the water out. Your lights will quickly finish drying it. But you want to have it be a little moist for the RF tortoise.

 

[koen88]

Thanks for your advice. Yeah I know the blocks that expand a lot. But the peat blocks I used were already somewhat moist. If I'd put these in a bucket with water, my redfoots would live in a swamp. Guess thats not what I should aim for right?