New tort table built from back yard scraps

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jessrich87

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I have been wanting a table for Spike for awhile now, so I scavenged the backyard for lumber and this is what happened...

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Found this, I'm not sure what the previous owners used it for.
ImageUploadedByTortForum1375045646.952336.jpg
Washed it with the hose.
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Sealed the cracks.
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Waterproofed.
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Built a house with hinged lid from scrap lumber and bought and attached plexiglass.
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Legs!
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Braced the legs, added a shelf, and put Spike in there. I think he likes it!ImageUploadedByTortForum1375045851.256357.jpg
I'm pretty proud for the first time doing anything like this. :)
 
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mike taylor

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It looks good . I would build something for your light to mount on. Them clamp on fixtures are fire hazards. You could put a piece of hardware cloth on top and set the light on it . But you made yourself a nice rustic enclosure .

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Jabuticaba

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Very cool! What did you use for waterproofing?


May[CHERRY BLOSSOM], Darwin[TURTLE] & Wallace[TURTLE]
Winnipeg, Canada
 

nate.mann

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may want to cover at least the lower half of the plexiglass so the tortoise cant see out. it can cause them stress, and confusion as he will be trying to get out. aside from that though, looks good.
 

jessrich87

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Thanks. It's a good idea about the light. I would like to hang it I think.

He has always had a see through cage and been fine, but I will keep an eye on him for signs of stress.

I used latex primer to waterproof the bottom.
 

Jabuticaba

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jessrich87 said:
...
I used latex primer to waterproof the bottom.
Thanks!!




May[CHERRY BLOSSOM], Darwin[TURTLE] & Wallace[TURTLE]
Winnipeg, Canada
 

WillTort2

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Nice job; good use of available materials.

For the light I would mount it overhead using 2 vertical posts one on each end; have them about 30" from the top of your substrate. Add 2 horizontal cross members one on each side of your posts. Then insert a vertical post like board with holes spaced 1" apart vertically. Put the vertical board between the horizontal cross members and clamp your light to the bottom tip of the board. Don't rely on just the clamp; wrap the cord around the horizontal cross members and run a wire tie from the light to the vertical board to prevent the light from slipping.

Use a long nail, slightly smaller than the holes you drilled in the vertical board, to control the height of your lamp.

Also plan on moving your light to one end of your enclosure to allow for a cool end. This will give your tort a wider choice of temperatures.
 
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