First tortoise enclosure (progress pics)

[captain]

Hi everyone! I had a hard night working on my enclosure but its finally finished with some minor tweaks still...

After a month of falling in love with my baby redfoot and a month of research, stress, fun, collecting a million supplies, and more research and all thanks to this site (also after an empty bank account haha) !!! Heres what ive done: any helpful suggestions welcome!! My only concern is that it is getting too hot right now with my 100w daytime bulb, i am planning switching to che in march but for now any tips on keeping the heat down about 15 degrees lower than it is??? Hes already in there for the night and loves exploriing now hes takin a long sleep in his new hang out

The second last pic is from me testing out temps the thermometers aruent actually like that haha and the last pic is the view in my bedroom

 

[pfara]

If it's too hot, use a lower watt bulb. A 60w incandescent should be good. My only suggestion to you is to make the substrate deeper. I added a boatload of sphagnum moss on top of the substrate along the perimeter. It serves two purposes: higher humidity and they love disappearing in it (drives me nuts trying to find and dig for them during soak days, though!). Otherwise, good job

 

[bouaboua]

What I don't see is the opening for air circulation. I know the front panel can open.

Even the closed enclosure need to have some small opening for fresh air.

 

[TortieLuver]

It looks like you are really working hard great job. What 100 w daytime bulb are you using to make it hotter than you would like? Most Che's are really warm.

 

[captain]

Thanks everyone it took some work for sure!! There is small holes at the top and back and the sides have small openings for air flow should i add more holes like an air vent in the top??? And my bulb just says 100w daytime not sure what kind tho, i think i may switch to the 60w thanks!

 

[captain]

UPDATE: He is loving his new house!!! he is already drinking, eating and exploring all by himself. In his temporary home, he would just hide all day and I had to pick him up to eat or drink.. I switch to 50w bulb and temperatures are perfect whole thing is in the 80s and humidity is 80!! Woohoo couldn't be more proud :'D

 

[julietteq]

Looks wonderful. Great job and keep us posted on how he does.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Re: RE: First tortoise enclosure (progress pics)

What I don't see is the opening for air circulation. I know the front panel can open.
Even the closed enclosure need to have some small opening for fresh air.

As one who uses closed chambers, I respectfully disagree with this advice.
Please do not intentionally add holes to your enclosure. You will defeat the purpose of your chamber.

Glad you switched to a lower wattage basking bulb.100 watts was much too high for a closed chamber. (as you noticed )