Single PVC Sheet Tortoise Table

[jsheffield]

I got it in my head to build Chili, my Russian tortoise, a tortoise table this morning.

I'd read about expanded pvc here on TFO, and wanted to see how simply I could make one.

Chili spends a lot of his time in his outside enclosure, and will soon be going into the fridge for brumation, so although it's a little small, I think it'll work for him (it's bigger than what he's currently living in when indoors, and way bigger than what he lived in for the last 20 years.



I bought one sheet of 4x8x0.75" pic and a set of pvc primer and cement for a total of $117.70... if I were doing it again, I'd buy clear primer and cement instead.



I had the guy at home depot make the following cuts:

1) @ 36 inches, to make 3x4 base
2) @ 15 inches to make a 4 foot side
3) @ 15 inches to make another 4 foot side
4) @ 13.5 inches to shorten the remaining pvc for the 3 for sides (less the width of the 4 foot sides)
5) @ 15 inches to make a 3 foot side
6) @ 15 inches to make the final 3 foot side



The pvc sheet has a smooth side and a woodgrain side, I assembled the box with smooth sides in.

The 3/4 inch pvc is probably thicker than needed (and the 1/2 inch sheet was $40 cheaper) but it balanced nicely and feels solid.



The 15 inch walls will work for my Russian tortoise, and likely for other smallish torts, but probably not for bigger ones.

I'm going to let it cure for 24 hours, then put in some mulch and set it up with heat and hides and light for Chili.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to improve the design or implementation.

Thanks,

Jamie

 

[jsheffield]

I set up the new enclosure for Chili this morning, and he seems less pissy about it than I had anticipated.



I'm happy he can have a bit more space when he's inside, and that it's open, so we can experience each other.



It's located in front of my writing desk, so I've been watching him explore the new digs all morning.



Every lap he swings by the food bowl or leaf pile for a nibble. The hide is setup over a plastic underpot with some water in it to keep that spot humid.

Jamie

 

[jsheffield]

A couple of days in, and I'm liking the look and function of the enclosure... I think my next one will a 6X3X2 enclosure for my redfoot.

I'll probably make the next one from 0.5" PVC, so it's lighter and a bit cheaper... I anticipate needing 3 sheets, which is already $220, before glass.


Jamie

 

[Alex Z]

Looking good.