Here is our recent weekend new burrow building project. Our senior tortoise closely supervised us. 
http://youtu.be/kt3mN07wS5c
http://youtu.be/kt3mN07wS5c
New Burrow Project
- Thread starter byoh20
- Start date
Hi and welcome! My laptop is very very slow, so I am still waiting for the clip to run. 
Pretty cool. I have a few questions.
Does he shred the inner foam insulation layer in there?
Does it stay dry inside during cold heavy winter rains?
Do you run a temperature probe in there to see how it does compared to the outside, both in summer and winter?
Welcome to the forum, thanks for sharing, and I LOVE the pic at the end of video entitled "Tuscon, AZ". Gorgeous. I spent some time in Tuscon a few yeas ago and LOVED it there.
Does he shred the inner foam insulation layer in there?
Does it stay dry inside during cold heavy winter rains?
Do you run a temperature probe in there to see how it does compared to the outside, both in summer and winter?
Welcome to the forum, thanks for sharing, and I LOVE the pic at the end of video entitled "Tuscon, AZ". Gorgeous. I spent some time in Tuscon a few yeas ago and LOVED it there.
Tom said:
Hi and thanks for the positive comments. We have built and re-built several burrows over the years and this one is a combination of what has worked well in the past.
-Yes he has shredded a bit of the foam inside while digging but not much.
I chose a very eco foam, no off gassing ect.
-It should stay very dry due to the construction and yard location.
-Yes there is a wireless thermometer in the burrow for monitoring since it is the first season it is in use.
-The shade awning is in use for the other burrows as well and has worked well during the summer heat.
-When we have the occasional deep freeze weather I lay black fabric on the burrows so that they gather more warmth from the sun during the day and then toss carpets over them during the night.
Hi byoh20 (bring your own home?):
Welcome to the Forum!
you really did a nice job on the video. I enjoyed watching it. So many people will put up their pictures and videos but don't include the main inhabitant. I loved that your 'supervisor' was in each shot.
Welcome to the Forum!
you really did a nice job on the video. I enjoyed watching it. So many people will put up their pictures and videos but don't include the main inhabitant. I loved that your 'supervisor' was in each shot.
This video is GREAT, and it's clear your devilishly handsome construction foreman approves of your handiwork. Thank you for sharing!
While our two DTs are down for the winter in a chest freezer in our back yard shed, we plan some renovations to their enclosures, so I'm so curious to see what works for others.
A few questions: how far down will AJ dig? Is this where he'll brumate? Are you able to check on him easily by lifting the roof?
Thanks again for the cool video.
While our two DTs are down for the winter in a chest freezer in our back yard shed, we plan some renovations to their enclosures, so I'm so curious to see what works for others.
A few questions: how far down will AJ dig? Is this where he'll brumate? Are you able to check on him easily by lifting the roof?
Thanks again for the cool video.
Thanks for your comments
Our Desert Torts all have different personalities and preferences so we have stayed flexible with their habitats and made changes as needed. While two have dug in for the winter (if you can call it that here) outside in their burrows, AJ the ancient one is still up and about, all be it slowly, as is usually his style.
When one was a youngster she dug under the cinder blocks one winter and it took quite a panicked excavation in the spring to get her out as she was stuck! We learned that frequent visual checks can ward off trouble. We had a Russian tort once that did the same. Otherwise they seem to be okay flinging dirt without going very deep. I added plenty (too much) sandy soil to the new burrow so AJ could satisfy his need to let the dirt fly. If you have a "digger" you will need to lay a layer of cinder block wall down deep or have a plywood or paver floor. Be sure the drainage is extra good especially if they dig deep.
We prefer to keep the burrows wide and arms length deep in case we need to pull them out. Also we can always visually see them but learned to do so cautiously as last year a diamondback rattler moved into one of the burrows. SURPRISE !
Once dug in for the winter we will not see the gang until April or May depending on the weather. Rarely a good winter rain will bring them out for a drink. The insulated winter doors keep out drafts and cold while allowing them to easily push out if they so desire
We switched to lumber boards instead of plywood for the roof since the plywood sagged and degraded over time and the lumber was easier to bring home once it was precut at the home improvement store.
We found the 4 inch wide cinder blocks are way easier to work with.
We have never wintered the desert torts indoors except accidentally one year when one disappeared and we assumed he was stolen as escaping the yard was impossible. He did however escape the yard, into the house at some point and emerged from the back of a closet in the spring! So happy to see him !!!
Looking forward to seeing what burrow you design
Our Desert Torts all have different personalities and preferences so we have stayed flexible with their habitats and made changes as needed. While two have dug in for the winter (if you can call it that here) outside in their burrows, AJ the ancient one is still up and about, all be it slowly, as is usually his style.
When one was a youngster she dug under the cinder blocks one winter and it took quite a panicked excavation in the spring to get her out as she was stuck! We learned that frequent visual checks can ward off trouble. We had a Russian tort once that did the same. Otherwise they seem to be okay flinging dirt without going very deep. I added plenty (too much) sandy soil to the new burrow so AJ could satisfy his need to let the dirt fly. If you have a "digger" you will need to lay a layer of cinder block wall down deep or have a plywood or paver floor. Be sure the drainage is extra good especially if they dig deep.
We prefer to keep the burrows wide and arms length deep in case we need to pull them out. Also we can always visually see them but learned to do so cautiously as last year a diamondback rattler moved into one of the burrows. SURPRISE !
Once dug in for the winter we will not see the gang until April or May depending on the weather. Rarely a good winter rain will bring them out for a drink. The insulated winter doors keep out drafts and cold while allowing them to easily push out if they so desire
We switched to lumber boards instead of plywood for the roof since the plywood sagged and degraded over time and the lumber was easier to bring home once it was precut at the home improvement store.
We found the 4 inch wide cinder blocks are way easier to work with.
We have never wintered the desert torts indoors except accidentally one year when one disappeared and we assumed he was stolen
as escaping the yard was impossible. He did however escape the yard, into the house at some point and emerged from the back of a closet in the spring! So happy to see him !!!Looking forward to seeing what burrow you design
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byoh20 said:
I would say that was a big surprise and not a really good one.
Best.Foreman.Slash.Director.Ever! AJ rocks! And so does the video. Thanks for sharing for others to be so inspired! : )
