Adult Sulcata Tortoise House/Burrow--1st time owner advice

[Jenna524]

We're preparing our yard for adopting an adult Sulcata Tortoise. We've determined the area for an aproximately 310 sq. ft. "pen" of sorts, with the intention of opening the gate daily to allow the tortoise to roam the rest of our large fenced in backyard (grass and other tortoise friendly plants throughout pen and backyard). I have learned that Sulcatas like to dig. Obviously we will not stop this completely. But we are hoping to create an environment that will simulate burrows or the right temperatures to maybe avoid some digging. With this in mind, we are trying to decide if we will build a freestanding tortoise house with heater above ground, or if we should try to do an unground house/burrow that controls the depth of digging with walls/floors (does an underground burrow need a heater/insulation?). Can someone share their experience with either of these methods--pros, cons, things to be aware of? Also, any other enclosure tips would be great!

 

[Tom]

Many of them don't dig at all, especially when provided with the right night box to sleep in. Others dig incessantly. Here is the type of box you need, and how to heat it safely and effectively: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/single-tortoise-night-box.181515/

This thread is primarily aimed at raising smaller ones, but it will give you important info about food and hydration, as well as dispel some commonly repeated misinformation. https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-best-way-to-raise-a-sulcata-leopard-or-star-tortoise.181497/