New Leopard Tortoise habitat advice

PSLIMO

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Hi All,

I’ve been raising a Leopard Tortoise for a couple years now. He’s about 6 ½” long and it’s time for a larger habitat. I could use some input on the various components of the enclosure required for a healthy tortoise to thrive.

I have room for a 6’ x 4’ table. My questions are:

Is 12" high enough for the sides?

What is a good size hide? I’ll be using the thermostat I have to keep the temp inside constant. What’s best for heating that small of a space? Would a lizard heating mat attached to the ceiling in the hide work?

How large of a watering area is needed and how deep is optimal? I was thinking of recessing one with a drain and then fiberglassing the entire 6' x 4' base of the table into the watering area to make the table waterproof for easy cleaning and changing out water.

Any thoughts or ideas?

Thanks in advance,

Phil
 

Tim Carlisle

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Hey Phil! My enclosure is only 12" high. Reason I keep it like that is for better temperature and humidity control (heat and moisture rises). Just be careful that any CHEs or heat lamps are positioned in such a way as to not burn your tort. I don't think I'd have the height any lower than 12" though.

As far as the hide, I like to keep mine just big enough to be cozy in. A big enough entrance to easily get in and out, and the inside of the enclosure big enough for the tort to pivot itself around when needed.

As far as the watering area, you don't need anything huge or elaborate. It should be just big enough and deep enough for him to get in it and drink / bathe. I keep my water depth no deeper than maybe 1/3 the height of the carapace. I find that the water evaporates rather quickly, but no big deal to fill it. I always keep a water bottle nearby and check on it a few times per day. The smaller the water dish, the easier it is to take out and clean on a regular basis. Torts seem to love to defecate in their water. lol

I don't recommend using a heat mat. Those things are about worthless for torts IMHO. A good CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) and a UVB heat lamp should do the trick.
 

wellington

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Pretty good info already given above except the water dish should big enough that he can sit in it if he wants. A clay saucer the kind that goes under plant pots are recommended for the water dish.
 

PSLIMO

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Thanks for the responses,

I'm looking long term with the enclosure to accommodate as he grows. I'd like to keep it open topped and that's why I was thinking of a larger hide with a small radiant heater mounted to the ceiling thermostatically controlled.

I'm going to fiberglass the entire bottom of the table and thought I could recess a 9" x 13" pan and grade the fiberglass into it on a slope to make it easy to get in and out of with a drain for easy cleaning.

Do you guy's think that's big enough as he grows?

Is there a problem making a larger hide for him to grow into maybe 20" x 20"?

I was thinking big enough to fit a small chicken coop heater like the one pictured.

coop.JPG

Thanks in advance,

Phil
 

Romeo Serback

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Hey Phil! My enclosure is only 12" high. Reason I keep it like that is for better temperature and humidity control (heat and moisture rises). Just be careful that any CHEs or heat lamps are positioned in such a way as to not burn your tort. I don't think I'd have the height any lower than 12" though.

As far as the hide, I like to keep mine just big enough to be cozy in. A big enough entrance to easily get in and out, and the inside of the enclosure big enough for the tort to pivot itself around when needed.

As far as the watering area, you don't need anything huge or elaborate. It should be just big enough and deep enough for him to get in it and drink / bathe. I keep my water depth no deeper than maybe 1/3 the height of the carapace. I find that the water evaporates rather quickly, but no big deal to fill it. I always keep a water bottle nearby and check on it a few times per day. The smaller the water dish, the easier it is to take out and clean on a regular basis. Torts seem to love to defecate in their water. lol

I don't recommend using a heat mat. Those things are about worthless for torts IMHO. A good CHE (Ceramic Heat Emitter) and a UVB heat lamp should do the trick.
I wholeheartedly agree with the height as I'm having no problems retaining heat or humidity. I currently have mine at 12-14 inches and with the 4 inch substrate, it's easily maintaining the proper levels. If I can get a year or at least until next summer from this 24"×24"×12" enclosure, I'll be very pleased. I'm not sure of the next upgrade, but at least I have time to think about it.
 

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PSLIMO

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Hi All,

I completed his habitat and it's been almost a year since my leopard was introduced to his larger home. His growth has been encouraging since then almost doubling his size. Here's a few pictures of the build. It's 4' x 6' and the whole table was fiberglass so it's waterproof for easy clean ups. The hide is 20" x 20" and has a heater that keeps it at 80 degrees. Being waterproof it's easy to add water without the worry of mold and the average humidity is around 50% inside. The water dish is a recessed 9" x 13" pan with a drain to make water changes easy. There's also a heat lamp there that keeps the area around 85%. On the other end of the table is a basking area that's around 95%. The rest of the open areas are around 70 degrees or so.

Here's my question...

The main area of the table is a much lower 10% - 20% humidity and he's eating, drinking, active and seems to be thriving. Being 3 1/2 years old is there a need/benefit for more humidity?

Thanks in advance,20180117_160447.jpg 20180119_193153.jpg 20180120_204034.jpg 20180121_113745.jpg 20180117_160447.jpg 20181228_104817.jpg 20181228_111703_resized.jpg 20181228_111930_resized.jpg

Phil
 

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