I made a new sunning enclosure to be used on my lawn and thought I'd show it. All you have to do is buy three 2x8 boards, cut one roughly in half, and screw the ends together. I got really fancy and did a center support beam too, but that isn't necessary. I like to have my small tortoises covered so I also put a wire top on it. My yard is completely chemical free and has dandelion, two types of plantain, burr clover, and some occasional sow thistle also pops up now and then. I move this pen around the yard as they graze down the good stuff. I think this size, 4x8', would work well for any tortoise under 5 or 6".
The temperature on the day of these pics was only mid to low 80s, so my makeshift shade apparatus was fine. It should be noted that tortoises could easily over heat in an enclosure like this without much better shade or an underground retreat on a hot summer day. On this day, ground temps in full sun were only 80-82 in the grass here, and carapace temps never got hotter than the low 90s even for the baskers. I recommend checking and monitoring the temps closely in any outdoor enclosure, especially the first few times you use it, or any time there is a change in the weather.
I just find this an easy way to get some sun, grazing and exercise for smaller sized tortoises that spend most of their day inside.
The temperature on the day of these pics was only mid to low 80s, so my makeshift shade apparatus was fine. It should be noted that tortoises could easily over heat in an enclosure like this without much better shade or an underground retreat on a hot summer day. On this day, ground temps in full sun were only 80-82 in the grass here, and carapace temps never got hotter than the low 90s even for the baskers. I recommend checking and monitoring the temps closely in any outdoor enclosure, especially the first few times you use it, or any time there is a change in the weather.
I just find this an easy way to get some sun, grazing and exercise for smaller sized tortoises that spend most of their day inside.