Sneak peek of my insulated tort house

[Levi the Leopard]

I've spent a few weeks working on a 4'x 2' fully insulated house for my leopards. Three of them (5"-6") have reign of the yard and sleep inside humid chambers at night. They will continue to sleep inside but I wanted this warm house available for them during the day. My husband helped a bit but I did most of it myself. I'll post a more "step by step" thread with embedded pictures once it is complete. I copied Tom's "my best night box design yet". 1.5" rigid foam insulation throughout. Caulked, weather stripping. I still need to add the oil filled radiator for heat and attach the door.
Here is the sneak peek...

One problem I have is the thickness of the insulated door will prove to be difficult for the little guys. I'll need to add a ramp or something..
The floor the house sits on isn't level so I've had to use shimmy/pieces of wood to level the house but I don't like the big gap underneath. Hmm.

 

[Millerlite]

Looks good! I would maybe put notches or something for grip on the ramp, in case they have muddy feet or something they will slip and if they are like my tortoises say forget this and walk way. haha.

 

[wellington]

Not a bad job at all Heather. I agree with either notching the ramp or add little strips of wood a few inches apart for them to grip onto. I would fill the space under it with insulation, if you don't want the gap there.

 

[TigsMom]

WOW! That is AWESOME! You did a fabulous job!

 

[Levi the Leopard]

My plan is to put either a sand paper sheet or maybe roof shingle on the door for grip. Not sure what I'll use yet but yes there will be something

 

[sibi]

Nice job Heather. For the gap, you could get small bricks or decorative blocks and line the perimeter with it. Not only will it block out any wind getting underneath it, which could make the floors cold, but it will block out any little critters too.

 

[Vegas_Leopard]

Heather, that's an awesome build! Looks fantastic, have you thought about what bedding you'll use inside? Timothy Hay? I'm looking forward to your step by step thread on how to build one and pictures of your Leo's using this in action! Great job!

 

[ascott]

Very nice....I was thinking sand paper as well....but with nails it may need t be replaced often??

If you set up a frame around the entire perimeter around the house you could then use sand within that perimeter and it would insulate as well as work as a leveling material?

 

[erica anne]

Wow. I am beyond impressed. It turned out beautiful!

 

[bigred]

Came out very nice, I was looking at lumber today to do something similar to this. I left without any lumber just checking

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I have thought of blocks around the bottom or a box like ascott mentioned. Hmm.. Decisions decisions.

I'll be using hay inside. I still need to get my heat source in there but I filled it with hay just because I was anxious

So far it has cost me over $100. I already had an extra thermostat and the oil filled radiator will cost another $40. Costs more upfront but should save on a monthly electric bill!

 

[Vegas_Leopard]

I think Ascott has a great idea! Board four 2x4's and a plywood sheet and fill it with play sand. Wouldn't take that much time either. Though it's a $100 and some change, it's more than worth it knowing it'll last and be able to house your Leo's for the years to come. Most of all, the accomplishment of know you did it! Definitely should get another Leopard crossing sign and stick it on the front!

 

[lynnedit]

I like using the non skid tape on ramps, that you can buy by the foot at places like ACE hardware.
It helps trim their toenails.

It seems to last because it is meant to stick to steps, etc., outside.

Sometimes I use strips of wood with the non skid tape between.

 

[tortugatamer]

Good job! I like the idea of grip tape. I did that with the chicken coop and it worked well.

 

[theresal]

Awesome job!! I love to see how others house their pets in cooler weather.

 

[AZtortMom]

Very nice!

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I want to wait until the house is completely done before I make the "official build" thread.. But because I'm excited here is another peek at the door and ramp. The door is so thick from insulation that they can't walk up it (they will when they are bigger) so they have a special ramp that leads to the door lol. I used roof shingles for traction.
He wants to know when I'll add the heat source (the last step) so he can officially use it!