New enclosure- any thoughts?

[gill2307]

Hi all,

Haven't been on in a while, but my fiance and I have been working hard on getting a new tortoise table ready for our two, large hermann torts! They quickly outgrew their old one, and after speaking to the forum members, it was agreed that it was too small. So, our new one takes up the majority of our dining room! It really is as big as we can go.

Our tortoises currently measure 20cm , from top to tip of their shells. Their new home measures 165cm by 125cm, and is complete with a mini upstairs. Our one tortoise, Mildred, who is definitely the most active of the two, has made good use of this already, climbing up and down the ramp!


We also chose some specially selected enclosure plants, which we know are suitable for eating, as well as providing good hiding spots, this combined with some veg, and some weeds, should give them a more varied diet


Just about to pick up two, much larger heat lamps, and the job will be done!

Any thoughts, or any more suggestions for our indoor enclosure?

Gill

 

[wellington]

How big is it? Looks good, but doesn't look very big for two of them, however, pictures are very deceiving. Are you able to put them outside during good weather? At their age/size specially, they should be able to live outside when it's warm enough.

 

[wellington]

How big is it? Looks good, but doesn't look very big for two of them, however, pictures are very deceiving. Are you able to put them outside during good weather? At their age/size specially, they should be able to live outside when it's warm enough.

Btw, that last pic, they look like they are making a plan, look out

 

[Yvonne G]

That's a very nice enclosure. The size was a bit hard to understand until the last picture showing the human's hand. The enclosure looks a good size.

I'd just like to comment on a couple things you may need to watch - sometimes tortoises use plants as ladders and will climb the plant to escape. Also, it looks like the light may be too close to the top of the tortoise's carapace. It shouldn't be any closer than about 12" from the top of the tortoise to the light. Another thing - you may find it difficult to keep the whole enclosure warm with just that one light. But overall, good job.

 

[WillTort2]

I like enclosures that utilize a second story and a ramp. Nice job!

You could consider adding a structure in the middle of the open space to give a sight break and their enclosure more interest.

 

[Jodie]

It looks good. Nice job.

 

[gill2307]

It's roughly 1.6m by 1.25m. It is large, but they are fairly large! We really wouldn't have any space for anything bigger. They do spend a lot of time in the garden when it's nice. Brought them in, because of the thunder storms.

You were right about the plan, they have demolished one of the plants, half eaten, half stomped on!

Purchasing three large heat lamps, picking them up tonight.

Thank you for your comments, we'll move the light up.