Advice on Enclosure

[TortoiseMan]

Hey People!

I've attached a few photo of my tortoise enclosure...it's abit bare I know...that's what I want help with - I'm just wondering what could I put in to make it look more appealing and more beneficial for my tortoise.

The substrate is a layer of coir and then a mixture of topsoil and sand on top. The white light a ZooMed Mercury Vapour Bulb, and the other is a Infra-red. The water bowl is only a temp solution atm and will be more solid in the future. The slab is where his food goes

The dimensions are 6ftx3ftx1.5ft .... he's very spoilt!
Cheers,
TM

 

[Yvonne G]

That's a good size enclosure. But how about a hiding place or two. Maybe one on either end? You can also put in some potted plants. Bury the pot down into the substrate as far as it will go. A decorative rock might look nice.

 

[TortoiseMan]

I was planning on doing that in the future - but what would be the best way to do it? as that hide is an old rabbit toy which i had kicking around the house!

Also what plants would be suitable? And is there any rocks that I shouldn't use, as I know for other reptiles certain rocks cannot be used due to varying reason, would it be the same as that situation?

Cheers.
TM

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Tortoises want a secure 'hide' to sleep in and sort of live in. They want it to feel secure and be dark. So basically you want a hide to be just barely bigger than the tortoise. Then as they grow you manufacture a bigger hide. I'd add a small plant pot tipped on it's side, some large rocks to climb on maybe a big branch to mess with.

 

[TortoiseMan]

Cool, thanks for all the help peeps!

Cheers,
TM

 

[Jacob]

Looks Good, I Would Def Add A Hide, and Some Furntiure Decorations, Maybe Some Real Plants

 

[TortoiseMan]

Here is a few more picture with a new set of planters and his new hide! I've got a few more bits and bobs to go in terms of decor. The plants have got spider plants - and I've got another planter for another species of plant to put in.

But my question are that can I use Artificial Plants as I have a few left over from an old pet?

Cheers,
Josh ( TM )

 

[CheerAngel8]

I know this may sound stupid but my aunt has a tort and hers liked it. 2 words. Plant Grass. If you ad grenery to it, the will have something to munch on. It will also look nice. Just no pesticideds or harmful/toxic plants

 

[lynnedit]

You can use artificial plants (make sure they are cleaned thoroughly).
You can use real plants like Pothos, Spider plant, Xmas cactus, Aloe, pansy, sedum. Make sure they are in a heavy pot and submerged in the substrate. Torts are bulldozers so don't be discouraged if you have to reorganize things often. That means they are having fun
http://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/site/plants_19.asp
Carolina Pet Supply has a Russian Seed Mix (good for all med torts) on sale, free shipping right now.
http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41&products_id=590