Outdoor Enclosure for Sulcata Tortoises

[hansolpark]

Hello all,

First time posting here although I have looked through many of the threads to learn from others, as we adapted a couple of Sulcata tortoises (names: Morning and Tank) 7 years ago. Past couple years, they outgrew the old doghouse I put together as their makeshift house. As the winter is approaching, I have decided to construct a house large enough for both of them to rest comfortably as they like to stay dry during the rainy winter days. In southern California, it does not get freezing cold, but it does get cold and wet enough for them not to want to come out of the house.

In any case, here is the house I built, in case it would be helpful for someone who is considering of constructing a house. The house is 4ft x 6ft. I used wood siding; primed and painted, layered with plywood interior with foam insulation in the wall as well as floor. The roof is made of two large panels on hinge for easy maintenance. Roof is also insulated and finished with asphalt shingles. Inside is equipped with heating pad and heat lamps.

The construction of this house was not cheap, but they seem to really enjoy the house upgrade.

I also recently started their Instagram. Come check out!

IG: Morning + Tank
https://www.instagram.com/morningtank/

 

[Maro2Bear]

Greetings. Really nice build you have there & torts as well. If i were you, i would look into putting in a Radiant Heat Panel or two into the ceiling instead of your current bulb heating arrangement. Have these connected to a thermostat.

Panels - https://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
Thermostat - http://www.lllreptile.com/products/13882-zilla-500-watt-temperature-controller

Good luck, keep posting!

ps - nice use of bolstered “rail road” ties. Yes, folks, Sullys easily push these timbers around (with ease)

 

[Tom]

A couple of things:
1. They should never live in pairs. You ought to separate them ASAP. Sexes don't matter.
2. Heat lamps should not be used over larger tortoises. It will slow burn the top of the carapace, dry them out, and not effectively heat them anyway due to their mass.

Here are two ways to heat them and one way to most easily separate them:

Single Tortoise Night Box

I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...

tortoiseforum.org

Double Door Night Box

As the years have gone by and I build more of these boxes, I learn more and more each time. This one is the latest and I incorporated everything I've learned over the years. I also tried to take lots of pics so I can explain in more detail some of what is going on. It will take multiple posts to...

tortoiseforum.org

 

[hansolpark]

A couple of things:
1. They should never live in pairs. You ought to separate them ASAP. Sexes don't matter.
2. Heat lamps should not be used over larger tortoises. It will slow burn the top of the carapace, dry them out, and not effectively heat them anyway due to their mass.

Here are two ways to heat them and one way to most easily separate them:

Single Tortoise Night Box

I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...

tortoiseforum.org

Double Door Night Box

As the years have gone by and I build more of these boxes, I learn more and more each time. This one is the latest and I incorporated everything I've learned over the years. I also tried to take lots of pics so I can explain in more detail some of what is going on. It will take multiple posts to...

tortoiseforum.org

Thanks for your advice!

 

[hansolpark]

Greetings. Really nice build you have there & torts as well. If i were you, i would look into putting in a Radiant Heat Panel or two into the ceiling instead of your current bulb heating arrangement. Have these connected to a thermostat.

Panels - https://www.reptilebasics.com/rbi-radiant-heat-panels
Thermostat - http://www.lllreptile.com/products/13882-zilla-500-watt-temperature-controller

Good luck, keep posting!

ps - nice use of bolstered “rail road” ties. Yes, folks, Sullys easily push these timbers around (with ease)

Thanks for your recommendation!