Thinking about a sulcata, leo, or CH

[Romeo Serback]

I'm thinking of getting either a leopard, sulcata, or cherryhead and since I reside in NJ, I'm obviously unable to let him roam outdoors during the winter. Do you guys recommend a pond tub or a kiddie pool for a few years until I move down south? Would it be suitable for 4 years? And how would I retain the humidity for a baby in that type of open enclosure? Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[Erik Elvis]

well if your willing to throw a little money down you can look at animal plastic cages but shipped the 8x3 comes out to about $900. and that doesn't include your lighting of heat. https://apcages.com/collections/terrestrial-cages/products/t70-96l-x-36w-x-24h a cheaper alternative would be buying one of those plastic trough things from tractor supply or like store and covering it with an amazon 3x6 greenhouse. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...foam-stock-tanks-50-gal-capacity?cm_vc=-10005

of course the even cheaper alternative would be a kiddie pool but you would have to rig up a shower curtain or something overtop to contain the lights and moisture. you could do that with a simple pvc pipe frame.

on "average"(it can vary widely) I would say you can get 2-3 years out of a 8x3 for a sulcata or leopard. longer for a redfoot. but it really entirely depends on the individual tortoise. some are really fast growers. I believe I had a dry started sulcata so he's a slow grower. I'm hoping I can get another 2 years out of an 8x3 as he's already about 2 now.

 

[Romeo Serback]

Thanks for the info! Unfortunately I didn't hit the lottery, so I'm going for the mid range priced enclosure that I'll probably have to rig myself. I will consider your option.

 

[Toddrickfl1]

An open top is never going to hold the humidity you need. I used a xmas tree tote from Wal-Mart. This would last a hatchling RF a yr maybe two.

 

[Romeo Serback]

Great idea! And it's easy to cut a hole at the top. Two years would be perfect. What's your substrate? And thank you for the feedback!

 

[Erik Elvis]

Ahhh yes. Why I didn’t think of adding a clothes container to my list is beyond me. I use one now for one of my torts!

 

[wellington]

Look into pop up green houses or raised garden beds. The totes work good, but for two years it's pushing it and for sure not 4 years.

 

[Romeo Serback]

I just recently saw a raised bed closed enclosure that I really like that I will utilize.

 

[daniellenc]

Maybe a smaller species for 4 years but none of the ones mentioned by you. My RF at a year is too big for a tote now and they’re smaller than leopards or sulcatas. Hence waiting on my AP cage myself. Thankfully he gets out 3-5 hours a day and his cage comes in August!

 

[Romeo Serback]

I guess I'll have to build a bigger enclosure. I'll have at least a year or two to construct it. I love leopards and cherryheads though.