Help with new enclosure planning (input please!!!!!)

[compassrose26]

Hello
I am about to embark on constructing a new tortoise enclosure. The space I have on the top of the shelf I am using is 16x60 which should be plenty for my two redfoot yearlings. I am planning on putting a 16x30 board with told on top and putting wood vertically on all four sides to make an open topped wooden box. Then I want to put some tile on the bottom for cleaning purposes. I plan to close off 1/3 of the enclosure with a latched lid for their humid hide with tons of sphagnum moss and make it so they can enter from the open part. The other 2/3 I want to be open with coco coir, soil, wood chips, plants, a water bowl, a feeding dish, and a combination UV/heat bulb attached to the side (very secure).

My main questions are:

How high should the sides be
What live plants can I use
How do I create a proper heat gradient (especially on the side with the lid... Heating pad? Gradient?)
And what other things to I need to keep in mind for my tortoises' safety and comfort when I am making this?

Thanks y'all
Hannah, Lucy, and Lilo

 

[compassrose26]

Anyone? I really want to build this right

 

[kball]

The sides should be at least 18 inches from the bedding up. U can plant clover, orchard grass, aloe, prickly pear, chicory, or dandelions.
I would use a heat pad and a heat bulb with UVB rays.

 

[WillTort2]

Consider using a second story to give your torts more room to roam.

 

[kball]

If u do use a second story (which I love) I would put some rails to make sure they can't fall off.

 

[compassrose26]

The sides should be at least 18 inches from the bedding up. U can plant clover, orchard grass, aloe, prickly pear, chicory, or dandelions.
I would use a heat pad and a heat bulb with UVB rays.

18 inches seems like a lot for four inch torts. Why so high? And I love those plant ideas

 

[compassrose26]

Consider using a second story to give your torts more room to roam.

Above the hide? Then how would I get into the hide if I needed to? Would the rails have to be 18 inches on that as well?

 

[Moozillion]

Other plants are spider plants, Boston fern, pansies and petunias.
Check out a website called TheTortoiseTable- they're VERY helpful!!!

 

[kball]

No the rails would only have to be like four to five inches. The walls will have to be that high because of the bedding and the possible second story.

 

[Tom]

16x60" is WAY too small for two 4" yearling tortoises.

Is your entire room the right temperature and humidity for RFs? If not, and open topped table is not going to work very well for you. May I suggest a large closed chamber? These make it easy, efficient and cheap to maintain perfect RF conditions with a relatively dry surface layer of substrate to prevent shell rot.

 

[compassrose26]

16x60" is WAY too small for two 4" yearling tortoises.

Is your entire room the right temperature and humidity for RFs? If not, and open topped table is not going to work very well for you. May I suggest a large closed chamber? These make it easy, efficient and cheap to maintain perfect RF conditions with a relatively dry surface layer of substrate to prevent shell rot.

I am working with the shelf space I have available in my dorm. What size would you suggest?

 

[Tom]

For 2 4" tortoises that are at one of the fastest growing times in their lives, for a student who probably won't have the time or place to take them outside for hours of exercise in a large outdoor enclosure? At least 3x6', but 4x8' would be better.

 

[WillTort2]

Above the hide? Then how would I get into the hide if I needed to? Would the rails have to be 18 inches on that as well?

Make your 2nd story removable. Put side rails in at about 12" above the bottom of main enclosure. Then build a box with 12" sides that will sit on the side rails and be able to lift it off for easy cleaning. Cut a hole in one of the walls that will allow your ramp to give access to the upper level. Have the top of the ramp even with the substrate in the upper level.

Based on Tom's suggestion, Take your 16" x 60" shelf space and built it out into the room an extra 8" giving you 1/3 more floor space. Then go upward enough to have the 2nd level. Have a top built and glass doors across the front above the lower substrate. Your walls will need to be tall enough to allow you to suspend your uv lamp from the top and have your bulb be adjustable from 12" to 18 inches above the substrate. The closed chamber will give you the temperature and humidity the rf torts need.

Good luck.