New Multi-Level enclosure for Leopard Tort

[Robert]

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So I made some changes to my Leopard's enclosure. She now has a two level town-house. This has effectively doubled the living space of her indoor enclosure (minus the opening in the upper level). She is capable of going up down both ramps, although she has not done so on her own accord just yet. I'm sure it was a pretty stressful day for her. I was changing her stuff around all day. I am hoping that she makes use of the expanded space once she gets more comfortable.

It is hard to see in the picture, but plexiglass siding is lining both sides of the upper ramp, as well as both sides of the stairway landing.

Do you guys think I should cover the indoor / outdoor carpeting with substrate?

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks.

Rob

Rob
1.2.0 Kids
0.1.1 Geochelone pardalis babcocki: "Princess Leia" and "Chewbacca"
1.0.0 Geochelone sulcata: Darth Sidious a.k.a. "Sid"
0.1.0 Basset Hound: "Reagan"
0.1.0 Great Dane: "Dagny"

[Candy]

Wow we can sure tell that this tortoise isn't spoiled by you. She is really beautiful, you've done a great job with her.

[emysemys]

Hi Rob:

You've doubled the space your leopard has. I think a two-story habitat in a small space is a really good idea.

[jeffbens0n]

Very creative, I might put a side on the lower portion of the ramp as well, so she doesn't tip over climbing on it. What are the dimensions of the table?

[Robert]

(01-08-2011 04:26 PM)jeffbens0n Wrote:  Very creative, I might put a side on the lower portion of the ramp as well, so she doesn't tip over climbing on it. What are the dimensions of the table?

Each level of the table is just under 5ft x 5ft.

[moswen]

oh man, i'm sitting on my end of the computer completely in awe of you. i've dreamed of a two story enclosure since i got my sullies, pretty much. i've always been scared to attempt it. i always had images of it in my head but yours looks just great! i think the carpeting is fine, she'd just knock the substrate down when she used it twice probably. the carpet also provides her with more sure footing, which i'm sure she'll appreciate. tortoises need/like to be stimulated by their new environment and i'm sure after tonight or tomorrow her curiosity will get the better of her and she'll take the ramp.

are you going to put any plants in there? i've always imagined my 2-story having a lot of plants in the bottom, basically making it like a humid hide spot, with lots of natural hides! but, i understand you're not me lol!

where'd you get your plexiglass from? how thick is the wood you're using on the bottom of each box?

[Robert]

The wood on the bottom of each table is 3/4 inch. It is a pressed synthetic. The plexi is a 1/4 inch lexan.

Plants is DEFINITELY our next obstacle. I have a black thumb. My wife has a black thumb. We have always wanted to change this, and we are hoping to use Leia as motivation.

I've been scouring this forum and trying to take in as much info as possible when it comes to plants. Hopefully the next updated pics will have lots of green! Fingers crossed.

[Kristina]

It looks great!

I apologize if you already mentioned this and I missed it, but I would add a basking lamp to the lower portion as well.

[coreyc]

Very nice you did a great job on it Does she go up or down it much?

[Robert]

(01-08-2011 06:30 PM)coreyc Wrote:  Very nice you did a great job on it Does she go up or down it much?

Thanks. She has not gone up and down on her own yet. If I put food onto the ramps, then she goes and eats it, but that's it. She hasn't made a trip up or down just to change locations yet. Hopefully she will as she gets used to it.

[Terry Allan Hall]

Cool design...Using two stories to (more or less) double the floor-area is brilliant!

I think I'll try modifying Jennifer's and Ptolemy's indoor enclosures in a similar manner this summer, while they're living outside!

Is the Fluke hanging on the wall for serenading your tort?

[Millerlite]

does he use it? or knowingly uses it? very interesting. i like

[colormyworld]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttttt!!!! Well done, seriously!!!

[PeanutbuttER]

I think it would be really cool to put a heat cable in the substrate on the bottom. Kinda like a stimulating geothermal heat in a way (as if she had gone down to her "burrow"). I think it's a cool idea and since vertical space is limited you wouldn't have to worry about a heat lamp being too close and causing burns/damage as she gets taller.

Someone already mentioned it, but I'd put some taller wood walls on the ramp. I can just see your leopard deciding that it wants to take up bungee jumping one day on that ramp. Sadly, they don't make any bungee cords her size though

[Terry Allan Hall]

(01-09-2011 01:08 AM)PeanutbuttER Wrote:  I think it would be really cool to put a heat cable in the substrate on the bottom. Kinda like a stimulating geothermal heat in a way (as if she had gone down to her "burrow"). I think it's a cool idea and since vertical space is limited you wouldn't have to worry about a heat lamp being too close and causing burns/damage as she gets taller.

Someone already mentioned it, but I'd put some taller wood walls on the ramp. I can just see your leopard deciding that it wants to take up bungee jumping one day on that ramp. Sadly, they don't make any bungee cords her size though

Heating cable on the bottom story's floor is an idea I'd want, as well.