How high should the walls be for a Russian tortoise enclosure?

[amyzabel]

I am going to build an enclosure for my RT, how high should I make the walls?

Thanks!

 

[leigti]

I would recommend at least twice as tall as the tortoise is standing on its hind legs. Russians love to climb.

 

[Ruskietort]

I would recommend at least twice as tall as the tortoise is standing on its hind legs. Russians love to climb.

I strongly suggest you cap the corners of your enclosure. I watched my Russian leverage herself in a corner and climb the 16" high walls of her new enclosure in less than 1 minute. Much to my dismay of course because I had just spent 4 days building the damned thing. Lol! She loves climbing about 2 feet off the ground in her mother in law's tounge plant too. Don't worry I took the rocks out as soon as a caught her doing it. Good luck with your project. I hope it turns out great for you both!

 

[Jbrez]

Taller the better mine are 14 inches tall my Russian hasn't tried to climb up yet.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Bless 'em !

 

[Tom]

Indoors or out?

12-14" above the substrate level should do it. 3-5 inches of substrate is usually recommended indoors.

 

[mike taylor]

I build my walls 18 inches tall for all my tortoises. Then cap the top .

 

[amyzabel]

Thank you all for the tips and the pictures! This is for an indoor enclosure. I will definitely make the walls at least 14" tall and cap the corners, great idea!