Project "BIG Wyzzerd build"

[fiftyfive]

My build for a 4 year old RF Tortoise.

Current (Temporary) home--
Size: too small.
Construction: (IKEA book shelf - now I need a home for books too)

When I got the little guy (ha) a few weeks ago, we thought he was going to be a lot smaller. He was 3" longer then expected and although I was very happy, I was not ready in housing for him. He gets out of the enclosure a lot and is often seen running around. But I prefer to do things right, so...

New Home--
Size: 6' x 3' x 16"
Construction: Lumber 1/2" plywood and 2"x3"s

I am still in the process of working out the moisture proofing/lining as well as other details of this build. The framing above the Box will be "skinned" with a canvas I think. This will keep the humidity and the light in the enclosure as well as keep the weight down and allow some air exchange.

For the lining, I am thinking of using either vinyl flooring or pond lining. Pond lining sounds more appealing as I can more easily replace it (should there be a need) Does anyone have opinions on these or better alternatives?

I will be hanging chicken wire on the top framing as to suspend lights and plants. I will also be using more canvas to block light, and keep it warm and wet inside. (Canvas |-_-_-|)

I have yet to design the 'scaping, but I have a lot of plants available and will be growing more soon.

So without further interruption, and excuse the mess, here are some of the build pictures so far!

The box base frame: 3 x 6' (You can see his current home at the top of the image)

Some lumber and a mess: This is also where the new home will end up

The BOX finally built:

Someone curious what all the noise at 11pm is:

Nice and Deep and fits perfectly!

Now the framing:

Is that for me?: (no really, I need to sleep though)

From the side:

From the front again:

 

[jbean7916]

Very nice so far!! Keep us updated with pics!

 

[AnthonyC]

Lookin' good! Nice & spacious! Good luck!

 

[Jacqui]

I think the upcoming Halloween holidays are getting to me. My first thought when I saw the box part was, "Holy cow, it's a coffin!" or maybe I need to quit running those DVDs of Bones, all night and day.

I am really excited to see how this all works out. The canvas part is unique, so really looking forward to seeing it used.

 

[dmarcus]

Looking good...

 

[fiftyfive]

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Ill be sure to make updates when they come.

Here are a few funny photos from his current *old home:

Farming:

He seems to be remodeling as well:

 

[ascott]

Nice enclosure and love when they stretch as long as they can to be able to see what is going on.....he is adorable....

 

[Jacqui]

I love his "remodeling" picture! So, how did that farming work for you?

 

[Morty the Torty]

RE: Project "BIG Wyzzerd build"

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Ill be sure to make updates when they come.

Here are a few funny photos from his current *old home:

Farming:

He seems to be remodeling as well:

Oh my gosh! He's so cute with his head sticking out! Great enclosure so far! Can't wait to see the end

 

[Tropical Torts]

HAHAHAHA thats so cute how he stuck his head out from under! Nice project you have goin!

 

[pdrobber]

looks like that plastic's starting to rip! you can try using "pond liner" it's a lot thicker...I get mine from amazon.com

 

[jackrat]

Looking good so far!

 

[fiftyfive]

Last night I got the black paint for the box outsides. I used a construction plywood as I wasn't sure how I was going to skin it. I figure as long as its not looking like a "pine coffin" I will be happy.

I also got the canvas I am going to try using for the frame skin. Painters drop cloth! its a thick weave and plenty moisture resistant. I will be dying it the color desired. I am thinking olive or dark green to keep light from escaping and also to continue the rainforest theme.

I will also be using chicken wire on the top as to add support to the hanging elements; lights, plants and .... and special surprise I will let you in on later.

looks like that plastic's starting to rip! you can try using "pond liner" it's a lot thicker...I get mine from amazon.com

Thanks pdrobber!

I was actually looking at using that on the new box. Either that or vinyl flooring. I am still undecided as the availability is not that great this time of year. Amazon was definitely an option and I think I might order some now. I decided against paint for now as I don't have the time since my apartment is low on space since the new disorganization this project has added.

I still have to figure out the layout and landscaping. I might add some obstacles and some extra levels and ramps for fun. The floor space will be 3' x 6' x 18" so there should be plenty of room to play with... maybe a tire swing?

Any thoughts and ideas or comments on all this are welcome!

 

[fiftyfive]

Last night I got the black paint for the box outsides. I used a construction plywood as I wasn't sure how I was going to skin it. I figure as long as its not looking like a "pine coffin" I will be happy.

I also got the canvas I am going to try using for the frame skin. Painters drop cloth! its a thick weave and plenty moisture resistant. I will be dying it the color desired. I am thinking olive or dark green to keep light from escaping and also to continue the rainforest theme.

I will also be using chicken wire on the top as to add support to the hanging elements; lights, plants and .... and special surprise I will let you in on later.

looks like that plastic's starting to rip! you can try using "pond liner" it's a lot thicker...I get mine from amazon.com

Thanks pdrobber!

I was actually looking at using that on the new box. Either that or vinyl flooring. I am still undecided as the availability is not that great this time of year. Amazon was definitely an option and I think I might order some now. I decided against paint for now as I don't have the time since my apartment is low on space since the new disorganization this project has added.

I still have to figure out the layout and landscaping. I might add some obstacles and some extra levels and ramps for fun. The floor space will be 3' x 6' x 18" so there should be plenty of room to play with... maybe a tire swing?

Any thoughts and ideas or comments on all this are welcome!

Painting 1 coat (and more mess)

As you can see, one coat will not be enough.

 

[SteveP]

Looking good!!

 

[fiftyfive]

OK

Some more updates:

The canvas has been dyed (Thanks to my amazing GF and her patience). It is green and should look fantastic. I went with green as to add some color as well as function in imitating a tree canopy.

Here is what I used for the canvas:

I chose this type of canvas as it is water resistant (proof) which will add a layer of humidity retention as well as it being the perfect size and price ($20can)

I will take more pictures of the dyed canvas when I get home.

The painting is done on the box. 2 coats as the primer is included in the paint. It's not smooth finish, but I was hoping to give it a rougher look to compliment the surprise element I will be adding to the build. I am really excited about it and can't wait to show you.

Here are some painted box pictures:

Yes, I will be doing touch-ups in the unpainted area, but I am waiting for the top frame to be skinned and attached first.

I will be going with the vinyl flooring option for the inside. I can always switch to the pool liner option if need be.

As for substrate, I am looking to use a mixture of the following--

1)Dry/Hot side: coco-peat & topsoil
-this will allow me to grow the more dry garden plants and succulents.

2)Wet/cooler side: Cypress & Top soil
-this will allow for more tropical plants

Can anyone make a suggestion on what soil I should use? or is this a bad idea? I was going to put some worm in there too. I also may use planter/potting options to separate plants from the enclosure to ease cleaning.

55

 

[fiftyfive]

OK

Some more updates:

The canvas has been dyed (Thanks to my amazing GF and her patience). It is green and should look fantastic. I went with green as to add some color as well as function in imitating a tree canopy.

Here is what I used for the canvas:

I chose this type of canvas as it is water resistant (proof) which will add a layer of humidity retention as well as it being the perfect size and price ($20can)

I will take more pictures of the dyed canvas when I get home.

The painting is done on the box. 2 coats as the primer is included in the paint. It's not smooth finish, but I was hoping to give it a rougher look to compliment the surprise element I will be adding to the build. I am really excited about it and can't wait to show you.

Here are some painted box pictures:

Yes, I will be doing touch-ups in the unpainted area, but I am waiting for the top frame to be skinned and attached first.

I will be going with the vinyl flooring option for the inside. I can always switch to the pool liner option if need be.

As for substrate, I am looking to use a mixture of the following--

1)Dry/Hot side: coco-peat & topsoil
-this will allow me to grow the more dry garden plants and succulents.

2)Wet/cooler side: Cypress & Top soil
-this will allow for more tropical plants

Can anyone make a suggestion on what soil I should use? or is this a bad idea? I was going to put some worm in there too. I also may use planter/potting options to separate plants from the enclosure to ease cleaning.

55

 

[fiftyfive]

Ok, about 70% done now!

I was meaning to update some pictures today, but I forgot the cord for my phone/camera.

The enclosure is now functional as my red foot's home but still needs a few additions I am waiting on.

A Halloween pictorial gallery will also be coming up tonight!

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

 

[terryo]

This is looking so great. I can't wait to see when it's finished. What kind of a hide is that? Did you make it? I really like it.