Need new enclosure

[Gatito]

Hello, I am posting today because I need help/guidance with making/buying a new indoor enclosure. My tortoises have grown a lot. It has been officially a year since I had them and I think it is time for a new and bigger enclosure. At first, I wanted to buy a pre-built one, but everywhere I looked most are open and unable to contain humidity, or they are generic pet store glass enclosures. I do not necessarily have a budget I am willing to spend a pretty penny if I need to. I know these indoor are only temporary enclosures and the tortoises must be moved outside to a new outdoor enclosure. If the only way is to DIY it, are there any simple enclosure blueprints out there? I have little to no skills in carpentry, so any complicated enclosure would not work best for me. The only problem with buying them online is I am spending more on shipping than the actual enclosure. Any information given is appreciated and I want what's best for my tortoises.

Here is one of my tortoises my other one is a bit smaller

 

[RandyTortoise]

Hello, I am posting today because I need help/guidance with making/buying a new indoor enclosure. My tortoises have grown a lot. It has been officially a year since I had them and I think it is time for a new and bigger enclosure. At first, I wanted to buy a pre-built one, but everywhere I looked most are open and unable to contain humidity, or they are generic pet store glass enclosures. I do not necessarily have a budget I am willing to spend a pretty penny if I need to. I know these indoor are only temporary enclosures and the tortoises must be moved outside to a new outdoor enclosure. If the only way is to DIY it, are there any simple enclosure blueprints out there? I have little to no skills in carpentry, so any complicated enclosure would not work best for me. The only problem with buying them online is I am spending more on shipping than the actual enclosure. Any information given is appreciated and I want what's best for my tortoises.

Here is one of my tortoises my other one is a bit smaller View attachment 391726

I am buying one from Mark Wilson. He has some great enclosed tortoise chambers that you can buy the main unit (all set up with led lights and T5 uvb and basking lights) and you can buy expansion units to make it as long as you want. They are very cool. Mine is on order now.
His email is

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello, I am posting today because I need help/guidance with making/buying a new indoor enclosure. My tortoises have grown a lot. It has been officially a year since I had them and I think it is time for a new and bigger enclosure. At first, I wanted to buy a pre-built one, but everywhere I looked most are open and unable to contain humidity, or they are generic pet store glass enclosures. I do not necessarily have a budget I am willing to spend a pretty penny if I need to. I know these indoor are only temporary enclosures and the tortoises must be moved outside to a new outdoor enclosure. If the only way is to DIY it, are there any simple enclosure blueprints out there? I have little to no skills in carpentry, so any complicated enclosure would not work best for me. The only problem with buying them online is I am spending more on shipping than the actual enclosure. Any information given is appreciated and I want what's best for my tortoises.

Here is one of my tortoises my other one is a bit smaller View attachment 391726

Hello!

You may look into hydroponic grow tents or a combo of a raised garden bed + portable greenhouse. Since indoors housing is only temporary, these are cheaper options (not fancy looking, though).

 

[Gatito]

I am buying one from Mark Wilson. He has some great enclosed tortoise chambers that you can buy the main unit (all set up with led lights and T5 uvb and basking lights) and you can buy expansion units to make it as long as you want. They are very cool. Mine is on order now.
His email is
View attachment 391735

Thank you for your response! Dose have any online pages? I would llike to see his work to visualize what type of enclousre I would like. Thank you!

 

[Anastasia 22]

@Littleredfootbigredheart, will you help please with "visual inspiration"?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Thank you for your response! Dose have any online pages? I would llike to see his work to visualize what type of enclousre I would like. Thank you!

Mark has a Facebook page (Smart Tortoise Keeper) or you can send him a message through the forum.

Here is one of the Smart Enclosure photos:
https://tortoiseforum.org/media/smart-tortoise-enclosure-48”x36”x30”.12359/ (double-wall, double-glazed glass, pre-installed heating and lightning can be seen there).

However, even double enclosure (2 of 4x3, 8x3 ft. In sum) will last maybe 1 more year for a fast growing sulcata. And you need two of them, for each of your tortoises. Keeping a pair together is not advised (size difference is one of the tell-tale signs of stress and bullying in a pair).

 

[jaizei]

Whats the final plan for outside enclosure? I'd diy something simple like a stock tank with a plastic canopy over it since you're not going to get much time out of it and focus on the longer term outdoor enclosure.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

@Littleredfootbigredheart, will you help please with "visual inspiration"?

Absolutely!

Hopefully you might find some ideas in the indoor section here, even if it’s just Inspo for how to lay things out

Enclosure inspiration

Howdy folks! Hope everyone is well! As you all know, I’m a big fan of making threads that cater more towards visual learners like myself, I’ve really been wanting to create a thread full of adult enclosure inspiration for a while now, I’ve managed to find some great references over time! I do...

tortoiseforum.org

There’s more in the comments too, I have a huge back log I need to upload as well at some point

 

[jaraquistain]

If you’re near northern california and don’t mind doing pickup I actually have a smart enclosure from Mark that I don’t need anymore as I’ve transferred my tortoise to live outside full time. The enclosure is 3’x8’ and has all the electronics and stuff. A bit dirty and used but still very good and functional. I don’t really want to deal with the hassle of trying to sell it on Craigslist so I could be convinced to just give it away to another fellow tortoise owner.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

If you’re near northern california and don’t mind doing pickup I actually have a smart enclosure from Mark that I don’t need anymore as I’ve transferred my tortoise to live outside full time. The enclosure is 3’x8’ and has all the electronics and stuff. A bit dirty and used but still very good and functional. I don’t really want to deal with the hassle of trying to sell it on Craigslist so I could be convinced to just give it away to another fellow tortoise owner.

Sound like an amazing deal!

 

[Gatito]

Whats the final plan for outside enclosure? I'd diy something simple like a stock tank with a plastic canopy over it since you're not going to get much time out of it and focus on the longer term outdoor enclosure.

For the outside enclousre I was thinking of making a green house but for my tortise. We have the perfect spot for it. We may put a little to put some plants in there as well during the winter. I live in East Texas the weather here is crazy. During the summer it gets blazing hot and during the winter is gets so cold. I want to make the oudoor incloure to last for a good while.

 

[Gatito]

If you’re near northern california and don’t mind doing pickup I actually have a smart enclosure from Mark that I don’t need anymore as I’ve transferred my tortoise to live outside full time. The enclosure is 3’x8’ and has all the electronics and stuff. A bit dirty and used but still very good and functional. I don’t really want to deal with the hassle of trying to sell it on Craigslist so I could be convinced to just give it away to another fellow tortoise owner.

Thank you for the nice gesture that is very thoughfull but I live in Texas. I dont think I will be able to accept. Mayebe the next tortise enthusiast will be able to take it of your hands.

 

[jaraquistain]

If you’re near northern california and don’t mind doing pickup I actually have a smart enclosure from Mark that I don’t need anymore as I’ve transferred my tortoise to live outside full time. The enclosure is 3’x8’ and has all the electronics and stuff. A bit dirty and used but still very good and functional. I don’t really want to deal with the hassle of trying to sell it on Craigslist so I could be convinced to just give it away to another fellow tortoise owner.

FYI Someone came and picked this up so if you find this post it's no longer available. Sorry!