Sooooo I need help.

[Terry_tortoise12]

I have plans to make my hatchling Leo tortoise a new home. I've just brought it up to my dad and he brushed it off. "He's small, and doesn't move very much anyways." How do I convince him that he needs a bigger habitat?? He's currently living in a 24 by 36 aquarium. hes about 3.5 inches long and I'm aware hes growing faster than expected. My dad also pointed out that the heating and lights would be hard to figure out. I'm starting to freak out because I want to do it right but I can't convince him. I also cant find a step by step diy tortoise enclosure that looks good.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
1. Tortoises are pretty active when they have space to go, explore and graze. In small tanks they see everything from one spot and aren't really enticed to roam around.
2. They need more space per inch of length than most other reptiles because they don't use vertical space (branches, ledges etc.) and have rigid carapace (can't bend like snakes). Also, they need to move because digestion depends on that. And they actively forage for food (because plants won't come by on their own).
3. Younger tortoises are less active because they are easy prey but as they grow larger they become more and more active. Here is a walking trail of one young sulcata: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/stumpy-on-the-news.228031/#post-2196787

Here is a step-by-step guide for building a PVC enclosure (nice looking, resistant to water and has better thermal insulation than glass tanks):

Building your own Expanded PVC Enclosed Chamber – For Beginners

I have recently been asked to do a post on building an enclosed chamber using PVC, and to tailor the post to those that have NO fabrication / wood working experience and the resultant lack of tools. So, that’s what this post is about. If you have even basic wood working or metal working skills...

tortoiseforum.org

Heating and lightning are not that hard to set up for larger enclosures: the most expensive part, UVB lamp, usually, can be reused, one basking lamp is also sufficient. Ambient heating (ceramic heat emitters or radiant heat panels) and lightning (LED lights) are fairly cheap.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hopefully as well as those links Alex has added, you’ll find the ones I left in your other thread helpful!

How to do this? Leopard tortoise hatchling.

I bought by first tortoise a few months ago, he's about 7 months old, around 3 inches long. I want to start building a new, upgraded tank for him. I'm pretty confident with woodworking and I have help from my dad so I have that part down. I will make it 2 by 4 feet. I want it to be...

tortoiseforum.org

There’s examples on mounting lighting when you scroll near the bottom of the housing thread, and there’s lots in the visual Inspo one too.

Roaming room is vital to a tortoise’s health regardless of how big they are, explain to your dad these animals have literally evolved to walk miles foraging for food, it’s not just an enrichment thing, it’s also fundamental in keeping their bodies working properly, does he think they ‘don’t move much’ in the wild? Far from it! I hope he come round

 

[TammyJ]

Welcome to the forum to you and your beautiful little tortoise!
You have got some great advice already.
Good luck with getting the setup done right.

 

[The Dashing Pistachio]

Welcome and hi, when I had plans (or wanted to) buy a tortoise a year ago my dad said no. I have worked around that by showing him valid facts on care. I am sure you can persuade your dad with the right amount of knowledge he doesn't know about hatchlings.

 

[Terry_tortoise12]

Hello!
1. Tortoises are pretty active when they have space to go, explore and graze. In small tanks they see everything from one spot and aren't really enticed to roam around.
2. They need more space per inch of length than most other reptiles because they don't use vertical space (branches, ledges etc.) and have rigid carapace (can't bend like snakes). Also, they need to move because digestion depends on that. And they actively forage for food (because plants won't come by on their own).
3. Younger tortoises are less active because they are easy prey but as they grow larger they become more and more active. Here is a walking trail of one young sulcata: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/stumpy-on-the-news.228031/#post-2196787

Here is a step-by-step guide for building a PVC enclosure (nice looking, resistant to water and has better thermal insulation than glass tanks):

Building your own Expanded PVC Enclosed Chamber – For Beginners

I have recently been asked to do a post on building an enclosed chamber using PVC, and to tailor the post to those that have NO fabrication / wood working experience and the resultant lack of tools. So, that’s what this post is about. If you have even basic wood working or metal working skills...

tortoiseforum.org

Heating and lightning are not that hard to set up for larger enclosures: the most expensive part, UVB lamp, usually, can be reused, one basking lamp is also sufficient. Ambient heating (ceramic heat emitters or radiant heat panels) and lightning (LED lights) are fairly cheap.

THANK YOU! I'll show him

 

[Terry_tortoise12]

UPDATE! We bought a Vivosun tent! It's 60" by 80" and almost finished! Thanks for helping me convince him to upgrade. Heres Terry happily eating