Outdoor Tortoise House

[Joanne]

We are building an outdoor house for our Hermanns tortoise. It will be a place he can live, rain or shine. It's going to have a door to the garden so he can roam at leisure. I've bought an 'EVO' thermostat for a CHE which will be inside the hut, along with a UV strip bulb... because we are in the UK The hut is going to be fully insulated and will have a tile floor for easy cleaning. I'm also planning on installing a camera, so I can keep an eye on Shermann!

Here it is so far. I'll update this post with more pictures when I get them.

 

[Yvonne G]

Looks like it will be very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[Joanne]

Just putting in some insulation... we only bought one roll to make sure it was ok... turns out it is. Two sides will have perspex windows and there are going to be 2 doors.

I can't wait for it to be finished. I think he's going to be much happier living outside.

 

[DawnH]

Wow! Looks great!!! I cannot wait to see the finished project. You guys are rocking it outta the park!

 

[RogueAngel]

I'm wanting to do something for my little one to stay outside but I don't no where to start I'm still very new to all this so if any of you have any advice/pic or links to help me in my research I would be very greatful
I can't wait to see your finished project

 

[Joanne]

So it's been a good few months and progress has been slow, but it looks like we might actually get it finished this weekend!

Here are some pictures of the prep we are doing in the garden,,,

A bit of leveling and drainage.

A solid base for the floor to sit on.

All the pieces stacked up in the conservatory!

I'm so excited. Just need to paint the outside of the wood, fit the windows and doors and install the heating system. So far we've spent £200 on equipment and materials (this includes a £90 thermostat - Evo Microclimate) and I think we might have another £50 or so to spend on hinges, bolts and roofing felt.

Keep your eyes peeled for a finished product soon!

 

[Merrick]

Looking good can't wait to see the finished product

 

[Joanne]

Here it is being put up... Roof just needs felting and windows putting in, hinges and doors fitting, floor tiling and electrics put it. I'm super excited to see it finished. I just know that Shermann is going to love it outside.

 

[Joanne]

Felting the roof...

Being supervised!

 

[Joanne]

Bought some fixtures...

Fitting the windows and doors before the rain which is due tonight...

Finally putting in the doors...

Tomorrow I'll be shopping for some tiles for the floor which aren't too slippy. I'll need to get my cabling for the electrics... want to mount a webcam in there so I can monitor him if required.

 

[Careym13]

Very nice! I'm sure your tort will love it.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Really nice looking!

Forgive my ignorance, but I thought roofing felt was usually the layer right under the final roof surface - can it also be used as a top layer?

 

[ILoveTorts&Gerbils]

That looks fantastic. I'm looking to get a Hermann's and need some advice on outdoor homes. We're not great at DIY, either...

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I like the camera!
I placed cheap motion activated sirens in mine (Door chimes) They work at keeping out stray cats and tortoises don't set them off.
I'd love to see the cats go flying out when they go off!

 

[Joanne]

Roofing felt is used as the top layer for sheds and outbuildings

Thanks for the comments guys. Good idea about the chime, might look into it!

 

[Joanne]

AND WE ARE FINISHED!!!!

Here are some pictures of the last slog.

Fixtures for the tortoise flap. Makes a nice little porch.

Tiling inside.

Inside the finished article. Just need some more plants.

The view from the tortoise flap. Food dish is round the corner to the right.

Finally the camera view. Might stick this to the roof yet... I haven't fully decided.

 

[ILoveTorts&Gerbils]

Wow. Sorry, I'm too lazy to read through the last million pages of comments, so enlighten me: who is this for?

I wish I could do that!

 

[Lyn W]

It looks great. If you look at Tom's design for a heated night box he also uses a mini radiator with a guard in his to keep the air temp warm. You may need it with our winters.
Are you putting substrate throughout for grip and warmth? I just bought some great interlocking thick rubber mats from Halfords for £10 for a set of 6 and they do keep the floor temp up.
Hope Sherman is very happy in his new home.

 

[DawnH]

The little house that love built. Lovely. Just lovely!

 

[stojanovski92113]

Looks great!!!!!