Tortoise Enclosure

[JMgreekTorts]

I am looking to make an outdoor enclosure for the summer for my Tunisian Spur-Thighed Tortoise and I have only kept him indoors for the couple months that I have had him. Since it’s not tortoise-friendly weather most of the year, (Puyallup, WA) I was hoping to get some advice for building it or if I should build it at all. Also, I am able to add artificial heat if needed.

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
I think, you should provide him an outdoors pen of some kind. The older (larger and heavier) he gets - the more time he can spend outside. For a yearling you can start with 1-2 hours a day when temperatures hit 65-70F and it's sunny (shaded areas must be always available).

1. This kind is harder to build but can greatly extend outside time: https://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/climateframe.html

2. That's another popular option (a smaller "basking cold frame"): https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-accommodation-in-a-colder-uk-climate.140866/

3. The enclosure can be built out of cinder blocks, scrap wood (e.g. pallets), corrugated roof panels etc.

 

[JMgreekTorts]

Hello!
I think, you should provide him an outdoors pen of some kind. The older (larger and heavier) he gets - the more time he can spend outside. For a yearling you can start with 1-2 hours a day when temperatures hit 65-70F and it's sunny (shaded areas must be always available).

1. This kind is harder to build but can greatly extend outside time: https://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/climateframe.html

2. That's another popular option (a smaller "basking cold frame"): https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-accommodation-in-a-colder-uk-climate.140866/

3. The enclosure can be built out of cinder blocks, scrap wood (e.g. pallets), corrugated roof panels etc.

Ok thank you! This is very helpful.