My Red Foot tortoise enclosures

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

This is Plato's RF Tortoise enclosure. It is 50 inches long and 24 inches wide. The substrate is cypress mulch, fine coconut coir, and a little bit of sand. He has two hides, a basking spot, a walk in water and food dish, and some rocks. I'm still working on the arrangement and am also going to get some plants. He has a UV bulb and a heat lamp. I am still figuring out his diet so I would like some suggestions. In the mean time I am giving him sliced cucumber, apple, and lettuce. Thanks for all the help!

PS Plato is a hatchling and was only put in this enclosure yesterday. He has been burying himself and sleeping like that all day yesterday and all morning today. Please let me know if that is normal.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

You may have an issue with a few things:
First of all is the enclosure. You will encounter difficulties with an open topped enclosure in keeping it warm 80-86degrees and humidity up over 70%.
Second is that ramped water bowl. It is too tall. You will be much better off with a simple terra cotta saucer.
Next could be your type of UV bulb.
Most Redfoot keepers use a strip florescent with a MVB bulb to ad a little heat. If that is a coiled, compact bulb, you may or may not have eye issues with your tortoise. These issues can get serious.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Redfoot need to be warm. But not hot.
They need humidity but can't always be wet.
And they dislike bright lights.

 

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

Thanks for the reply. Where could I get a top for the cage? Or could I build one? And is the strip light necessary? Sorry for all the questions I'm new to this.

 

[AmberD]

What if you got a piece of plexiglass to put on top? That way you can still watch your tortoise but it's covered? I also agree with the water bowl. Wouldn't want him to flip over!
As for diet, there is so much! Collard greens, spring mix, clover, dandelion greens, papaya, kiwi, squash, zucchini, hibiscus leaves/flowers, as well as the dandelion flowers, strawberries, mulberry leaves. You can search The Tortoise Table for more weeds/plants that are acceptable.

 

[MPRC]

What if you got a piece of plexiglass to put on top? That way you can still watch your tortoise but it's covered?

A less expensive option might be to cover it mostly with wood and put a window in it for viewing. I know we have a lot of rehab stores around here that have old aluminum framed windows for like $10.

 

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

A less expensive option might be to cover it mostly with wood and put a window in it for viewing. I know we have a lot of rehab stores around here that have old aluminum framed windows for like $10.

I could do that but how would I get him in and out of there. Maybe I could only cover it halfway, or make some sort of sliding door?

 

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

What if you got a piece of plexiglass to put on top? That way you can still watch your tortoise but it's covered? I also agree with the water bowl. Wouldn't want him to flip over!
As for diet, there is so much! Collard greens, spring mix, clover, dandelion greens, papaya, kiwi, squash, zucchini, hibiscus leaves/flowers, as well as the dandelion flowers, strawberries, mulberry leaves. You can search The Tortoise Table for more weeds/plants that are acceptable.

Thanks I will try to find some of these

 

[ZEROPILOT]

This is one of my "closed chamber" set ups.
It has some hinges, plexiglass and a light mounted to the inside

 

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

This is one of my "closed chamber" set ups.
It has some hinges, plexiglass and a light mounted to the inside

Thanks I will look into it

 

[ZEROPILOT]

In my closed chamber, just the tiny amount of heat generated by the florescent lighting ballast (the light is mounted inside the lid with screws)is enough to keep the temps in the lower 80s and that lid keeps up the humidity up and over 75 percent.
The substrate is Orchid bark with potting soil on top.
By pouring in a cup of water into the corners once a week. The bark absorbs the water, giving off humidity but keeps the top layer pretty dry.
I've even hatched eggs in this thing.

 

[Plato_The_Tortoise]

Are there any other materials that I could use to seal off the top? I could cover it halfway with an extra piece of wood, but I don't think that would work very well. Is plexi-glass the only material?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

No. people have used tin foil, plastic sheets, etc.
But I just showed what works for me.
Obviously you don't want anything that will melt or catch fire near a hot lamp etc.

 

[lisa127]

Are there any other materials that I could use to seal off the top? I could cover it halfway with an extra piece of wood, but I don't think that would work very well. Is plexi-glass the only material?

I cover mine with clear shower curtain.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

A cover and then mounting the uvb inside is the key.

 

[Alex Z]

I built a 7x2 wooden box and cover it with clear shower curtains. Cost 5 bucks, keeps temps at 85, humidity between 73 and 85.