Phenomenalhm
New Member
I have a 9 inch red foot named Theodore. He is 6 inches tall and we live in a Midwestern US climate. I am planning on building him a 6 x 4 foot enclosure. I would like to have the option to close the top or leave it open (I have a room that I can keep humid and the right temperature most of the year although I am guessing. I haven't temped it for an entire year.) My question is this, how tall should I plan for the sides to be but still have the option to mount the lights to the inside of the cage with a piece of plywood or leave it open? I would like to make the sides 18 inches, but fear that would keep the lights too close to Theodore. Do I have to plan on 24 inch sides? Also, what is the best waterproofing option, a tarp or vinyl siding? I would kind of like to try the vinyl siding. I am not much of a "handywoman" so I would love plan/advice on construction. The process of building an enclosure is exciting but scary. I want this to be more permanent and done right. I built a smaller, test run enclosure out of a bookshelf and it went well. Now, I want this one to be done right and customized. I know many recommend the bookshelf conversion, but I don't think the sides are tall enough. Thank you for your advice
I do not own a Redfoot but I know they require more humidity them some species. 8' x 4' enclosures are usually recommended for indoors. I think that is the size that plywood usually comes in. you can use vinyl, or a pool liner or a shower curtain. I think a close chamber type enclosure would be recommended for the humidity needs unless you can keep that room humid. The lights are usually at least 12 inches above the top of the tortoises shell. So you need to figure in how much substrate you will use and how tall your tortoise is to decide how tall the walls should be. Check out the enclosures and Redfoot sections for some ideas, there are some very creative people here on the forum. It doesn't have to be fancy just functional. And doesn't have to be that expensive either.
