Custom Enclosure

[CREED2437]

Hi All,

I'm new to the world of tortoises. I just got a Russian that I plan on keeping as a classroom pet. I am a second grade teacher and think it will be an awesome experience for years to come. I've already read the post about classroom pets so you can save the lecturing for someone else.

When I found out I was gonna be a tortoise owner I said something to one of my co-workers. She said she had a wooden box that she used to hatch chickens in as a class project. She said I could have it and customize it however I wanted. The box is 34x36x10 with a lid. So I got my "Elementary School" brain working and came up with this as my final design. I used the lid as a base. I screwed 24" 4x4s to the bottom and it will be the perfect height for second graders. I will post pictures of the little guy living in it once I get back to school.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum, Creed2437!

 

[tyrs4u]

Welcome! & Very cool setup. Can't wait to see the inside setup with the Russian... The kids will love it

 

[Levi the Leopard]

They will loooooove it!

I also set up classroom pet exhibits. Looking forward to more pics!

 

[Moozillion]

So cool!! I love the paint job on the outside of it!!!

 

[lynnedit]

What a wonderful idea!
You might consider triangular caps in each corner, or just a small overhanging lip over the edge, as they are amazingly great climbers.
Other than that, it looks really nice and perfect for your classroom!

 

[TortoiseWorld]

Nice job!

 

[sibi]

That's really cool. I just wonder how you plan to keep your tort warm and how you plan to give your tort the UVB it needs. Also, do you plan to keep your tort there over the weekends? As you know, we love torts on this forum, and love to follow member's progress with their new tort. So, please don't think I'm looking to criticize your efforts in providing your students with this wonderful experience because I'm not. I'd just love to hear your plans.

 

[Shannon and Jason]

That looks great. I'm sure your kids will enjoy this experience for a very long time

 

[Levi the Leopard]

You might consider triangular caps in each corner, or just a small overhanging lip over the edge, as they are amazingly great climbers.

this is a great idea!

when you are gone in the afternoons/weekends you can rest easier knowing that escape/climbing out is far less likely. My friends russian climbs her straight up wall constantly...I keep telling her to put caps in the corners...oy

 

[CREED2437]

So this is what the setup looks like at school. Basking temp 94, cool area 72 and between 40-50% humidity throughout. His hide is more humid but I never seem to get a consistent number when I check. What do ya'll think?



Also I planted a succulent plant, aloe plant and a small cactus. I'm working on growing dandelions to transplant into his enclosure.

 

[CREED2437]

So our class has been home to "Mike Wawarzonek" (a Russian Tortoise) since December. At the beginning of this post I showed the transformation in the tortoise table. (It's a 3ftx3ft enclosure. The temps are in the mid 90's and the low 70's.)Now I wanted to post a few updated pics of Mike's enclosure. I will eventually post pics of his summer home once the school year is over. Please give me some feedback. I am a first time tortoise owner. Thanks

 

[kjr153]

Very nice. I'm surprised your allowed to have a Tort as a classroom pet. My mother in law is an elementary school teacher and they wouldn't allow her to bring in a turtle because of their reputation for Salmonella.

 

[Joanne]

Love the enclosure. Once the dandelions come out a bit more, I think I will plant some in my table!

 

[CREED2437]

Yeah, my principal is perfectly fine with it. I have timers for the lights and bring him home on long weekends.

 

[hturner]

I think you did a great job!!

 

[janst]

Love the enclosure

 

[lynnedit]

That looks great! Substrate is moist underneath, nice set up.
And your tortoise gets to look forward some nice outdoor time this summer.
(probably more likely to get Salmonella from a restaurant...just good handwashing!)

 

[CREED2437]

Ok so I have only a few weeks till Mike comes home for his summer vacation. This is what I've gotten started for him. I'm still planning his main hide and the lid.


What do you think?

 

[lynnedit]

Looks great!
Cap the corners in addition to the lid (helps hold up the lid too).
You could have at least a couple of hides: a piece of wood (12"?) across one end (even better with another piece across the opening with a door cut) and a large ceramic pot partially buried on the other side.