Winter Enclosure Build

[tjwrnglr]

Here in Houston, our winter doesn't last too long, but I've decided to build a winter home for my new Sulcatas. Gotta finish it pretty quick because the days will soon get cold.

I've looked at the doghouses you can find at Lowe's and PetsMart, but I think I can spend almost as much and build it 10x better and stronger.


Plans are:

-3'x4'
-durable, removable, and replaceable floor due to urine and poop.
-insulation board lining the interior
-removable roof
-low profile space heater or stanfield heat pad with thermostat
-door which will serve as a ramp
-cedar fencing boards for siding

Stay tuned for updates

 

[ascott]

Very fun...and I agree, if you are the handy sort...building your own tortoise hut is much better and can be customized at the same time...look forward to updates....as I was scrolling I was so totally expecting to see a tortoise inset in the pic.....LOL

 

[lynnedit]

looks like a nice plan. make you own and you can get the size you want. post pics when you have it done1

 

[Tropical Torts]

That looks great, generally the home made opposed to store bought is much better because you can customize it. Your plan looks good. What Im wondering is how you made that neato drawing of it on the computer?

 

[dmarcus]

Looks like a good plan, also doing it yourself gives you flexibility to make changes if you want...

 

[Yvonne G]

Looks pretty good. Be sure to keep us in the loop as you complete it. Just curious...what is a "TJ" wrangler? and may we know your name?

 

[babylove6635]

THAT IS REALLY NICE. JUST COURIOUS WILL IT BE BIG ENOUGH FOR WHEN HE IS FULL GROWN OR DO YOU PLAN ON MAKING A BIGGER ONE LATTER? OR IS HE FULL GROWN?

 

[lynnedit]

And will you cover the insulation board with something to protect it, at least around the base?
See, we have so many questions!

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Cool.

 

[laramie]

Great idea! I think it will look really nice. Looking forward to seeing the pics

 

[AnthonyC]

Those are some truly beautiful plans! Good luck w/the build. I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like when it's complete!

 

[tjwrnglr]

That looks great, generally the home made opposed to store bought is much better because you can customize it. Your plan looks good. What Im wondering is how you made that neato drawing of it on the computer?

3D Studio Max.-3D animation and modeling software I work with on a daily basis

Looks pretty good. Be sure to keep us in the loop as you complete it. Just curious...what is a "TJ" wrangler? and may we know your name?

The name is Gabe
"TJ" is the code name given to 1997-2006 Jeep Wranglers. Hence the name: tjwrnglr. I am a Jeep/off-road enthusiast.

And will you cover the insulation board with something to protect it, at least around the base?
See, we have so many questions!

I will see how they do in regards to tearing up the board. If they begin to tear it up, I plan to cover it with a thin sheet of soffit board.

THAT IS REALLY NICE. JUST COURIOUS WILL IT BE BIG ENOUGH FOR WHEN HE IS FULL GROWN OR DO YOU PLAN ON MAKING A BIGGER ONE LATTER? OR IS HE FULL GROWN?

This ought to house my two 6 year-olds comfortably for the next few years. The door can always be widened or I can easliy make another one if I buy more torts.

 

[byerssusan]

Looks pretty awesome!

 

[tjwrnglr]

Started thinking about heating and I'm considering this setup:

Heat Pad:
http://www.bigappleherp.com/Kane-Heat-Mats_2

Thermostat:
http://www.bigappleherp.com/BAH-1000-Thermostat

OR, get two of these instead of the one heat pad

http://www.petmountain.com/show_pro...gle&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_term=11442-524717

Also found some left over 30yr shingles in my dad's storage shed, so this should save me some $$

 

[lynnedit]

I have that thermostat. I highly recommend it. I use it with a basking light (not MVB).
I have heard good things about that heat pad, good for smaller torts than the pig mats.
I have a small cold frame, about 4'Lx2'Lx20"H and for background heat, I use:
http://www.houndheater.com/index_hound_heater.php
Made for dog houses, so OK to be outside. Built in thermostat, heavy duty cord.
It has worked extremely well.

 

[ripper7777777]

Good looking drawing, I look forward to seeing the final product, good to see some Houston peeps on here.

 

[tjwrnglr]

Doing the roof and some more painting tomorrow.

testing the stain color

 

[lynnedit]

OMG, it looks just like your drawing, only better!!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Just a word of caution...Sulcatas dig and dig and dig, just before settling down for the night. Your Styrofoam insulation won't last one night unless you protect it.

 

[tjwrnglr]

Update:

I lined the inside with more cedar boards to protect the insulation board. I also received the 2 ZooMed heat pads and I think I'm going to have to work something else out because they get way too hot and the thermostat probe will be hard to keep in place with the torts walking all over it. just sitting there without a thermostat, they reach 100 degrees!

What I'll probably do is mount them vertically along the back wall to also warm up the air inside instead of having them possibly burn their bellies. This way I can attach the thermostat probe up high and keep it out of the way. This could help eliminate the need for a CHE.

These pads are super strong and sturdy. The cord is super thick and looks like it will stand up to being outdoors. Very well made, look nice too.