where to keep a Spur-thighed tortoise?

[sophiebuhler]

Hi everyone!
I'm struggling to find somewhere to keep my spur-thighed tortoises when it is too cold to let them go in the garden at night. What is best to keep them in a vivarium or tortoise table? Also what sizes are needed?
I read that a vivarium does not allow enough ventilation, but a tortoise table means that they can get cold if the temperature is not controlled.
Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[Blackdog1714]

Welcome to TFO! Pictures and more deatil- age, size, lighting, heat sources. Please go to https://www.tortoiseforum.org/forums/sulcata-tortoises.88/ and check out the topics pinned at the top for care of a Sulcata (I hope I read that right) Also search @Tom for an awesome night box. There also ways to convert small sheds that owners have posted pictures of. Good luck since London is generally cooler than warmer!

 

[Yvonne G]

It's much easier to maintain the correct indoor temperatures in some sort of closed table. But I'm curious why you don't allow the tortoise to brumate (hibernate)?

 

[sophiebuhler]

Thank you for the response!
We do let them hibernate, but it has been a very warm spring in London, and it is getting too warm during the day for them to be in hibernation, but then temperatures are falling a night.
I figured that a closed table would be better for controlling temperature, but I am worried about lack of ventilation!

 

[Tom]

Thank you for the response!
We do let them hibernate, but it has been a very warm spring in London, and it is getting too warm during the day for them to be in hibernation, but then temperatures are falling a night.
I figured that a closed table would be better for controlling temperature, but I am worried about lack of ventilation!

Unless you make the vivarium completely air tight, you don't have to worry about ventilation.

The main problem with a store bought vivarium is that it is too small for anything but a baby tortoises. You'll need to build something around 4x8' for an adult greek tortoise.

 

[Mo & Bolt]

Tom , you can buy large secondhand old chest of draws, wardrobe or book case , lay it on its side and cover it with a piece of old double glazing . Leaving a space for air. I put mine in the spare bedroom , then put them out at day if warm enough, but with a shelter insulated from the ground full of plenty of hay , where they can hide if it blows up cold before you get in. Don't think you could do that with a young one .