Tortoise Table Tips?

[theboardwalkbody]

Hello guys, if you read my introduction post you'll know I'm looking at getting a hatchling Greek soon. I've got an enclosure set up already but I am thinking of building a tortoise table for when he gets bigger. I know the sides have to be about 14in. high so he can't get out but so humidity can get in (or something like that) but I've never built a thing ever. I'd like it to be on legs as I have cats I would like to keep OUT. I am wondering if the plywood needs to be of a certain thickness to support the weight of a full grown Greek and if anyone has tips for how EXACTLY to attach the legs that'd be wonderful. (I'm certain I can handle making a box it's just putting it on legs that for some reason boggles me. Does the thickness of the table legs depend on how heavy the table ends up being? Are thick posts the best option for legs?
What can I do for a lid? And what are options for hanging the heat lamps? I've seen stands but all for a high cost of 50+ dollars.
Also what should the dimensions be for an adult Greek?
Thanks for any help.

 

[G-stars]

Here's a few pics. Some of these might give you some ideas.











— Gus

 

[theboardwalkbody]

Cool! I've seen lots of pics of tables with cutouts in the sides for clear plastic, obviously for viewing the tort, but I thought they weren't allowed to be kept in things that they could see through? Hence why tanks are bad because the glass stresses them out (ie being able to see out but not get out). Are the plastic inserts simply placed higher up than the tort can see out of? In the pictures it's hard to tell. haha

 

[G-stars]

Yes just raise it so they can't see out of it. Or throw the plexiglass on top.


— Gus

 

[Tom]

Cool! I've seen lots of pics of tables with cutouts in the sides for clear plastic, obviously for viewing the tort, but I thought they weren't allowed to be kept in things that they could see through? Hence why tanks are bad because the glass stresses them out (ie being able to see out but not get out). Are the plastic inserts simply placed higher up than the tort can see out of? In the pictures it's hard to tell. haha

This is a total myth. I and many others here on this forum have been keeping tortoises of all species in glass tanks for decades with no problems. I have literally started 100's of babies in glass tanks. Not one time was it ever a problem. In fact glass tanks are actually better for the very reason "they" say they are bad. Heat and humidity retention.

 

[Jodie]

Our first one we actually started with a desk that we bought at a second hand store, and attached sides to it.

 

[theboardwalkbody]

Thanks for the info! Anyone know what the dimensions should be to keep an adult Greek tort? I'm getting him from a hatchling but I want to be sure he won't grow out of it.