Tortoise enclosure update

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Yoshi’s temporary new enclosure! This is going to do him for the next year until I upgrade to full size (I’m thinking of just getting two raised beds and finding a way to join them together… maybe a fun enclosed bridge for a safe crossing! This is the progress so far. I’m swapping out plants (he’s devouring them, so I’m trying to keep things interesting while also giving them a little growing time). He also has some weeds growing in the window, when they’re ready I’m going to put them in for him to forage. I’m also thinking of giving him a second floor too so he has more floor space. Also, he’s getting a new bath with a terracotta plate and stones. Suggestions welcome.

Hello!

A few suggestions:
1. Move UV lamp to the left, closer to the basking area. UV and heat work together on vitamin D3 production.
2. Maybe you can remove protective mesh from the basking lamp and lift it higher for better heat spread and gradient.
3. You need to make the enclosure more escape-proof... probably, a wire cage or something like that as I can spot a few escape routes. I seems you have an overhang lip on perimeter, but this won't stop him from climbing on the cave and then on the top of the wall.

 

[CaggyQ]

Hello!

A few suggestions:
1. Move UV lamp to the left, closer to the basking area. UV and heat work together on vitamin D3 production.
2. Maybe you can remove protective mesh from the basking lamp and lift it higher for better heat spread and gradient.
3. You need to make the enclosure more escape-proof... probably, a wire cage or something like that as I can spot a few escape routes. I seems you have an overhang lip on perimeter, but this won't stop him from climbing on the cave and then on the top of the wall.

Hello right back!

Thanks so much. I have scooted the UV closer to the left and raised the basking lamp higher (and removed the mesh). Thanks for pointing out an exit route. I wouldn't put it past Yoshi at all! I'm just about to pop out to the shop to get some wire: I'm going to get a square and cut it into triangles for each corner. I think that'll cover all possible escape routes. I just can't cover the entire thing because of the bars that I'm using to hold the UV lamp in place. Unless you have noticed something else? I bet he'll do something after I escape-proof, revealing a new plan of his!

Always appreciate the advice. I'll upload a pic of Yoshi now so you can all see how much he's grown. **Proud parent**