Tortoise Housing

If you have a pet tortoise, you will have to think about tortoise housing as this is very important in tortoise care. Tortoise house may vary according to the species of tortoise. You should do some research about the size of tortoise enclosure for your particular species of pet tortoise. Many a times, tortoises need to have an outdoor enclosure. Large tortoise species like sculta tortoise and leopard tortoise cannot be housed in indoor enclosures because of their very large size. Small tortoise like Russian tortoise and Greek tortoise can be housed in indoor enclosures.

Tips on tortoise housing:-

1. Consider the adult size of your pet tortoise in case you have a baby tortoise or a hatchling tortoise
2. The basic amenities like light, water and hide box should be provided
3. Indoor tortoise enclosure should be sufficiently tall for the tortoise so that it will not escape
4. Avoid using glass walls as these see through walls may stress out your pet tortoise
5. There should be plenty of space for your pet to explore
6. Larger species need outdoor enclosures
7. Put some hard material below the ground to prevent your pet tortoise from digging
8. Cover the enclosure with a lid to prevent any predators
9. Put some heating arrangement during winter

Tortoise Housing:- You should think about the enclosure first thing when you consider tortoise housing. You can use a sweater box or cement mixing tubs for baby tortoise or hatchling tortoise. Low side walls are preferred for easy cleaning and easy access. You can even have a tortoise table or any hand made enclosure

Substrates for tortoise housing:- Substrate or bedding should be selected considering the species of your pet tortoise. The simple thing to do would be to see what is best for your situation. Avoid sand as it sticks to food and have some thing that maintains the humidity and is safe.

1. Coconut coir
2. Sphagnum moss
3. Peat moss
4. Newspaper
5. Shredded paper
6. Hay

Lighting and heating:- All reptiles require some source of UV-B to properly process and absorb the calcium. In natural habitat the sun rays take care of this but in captivity you will have to provide an alternative.

Cage furniture:- Cage furniture stimulates your pet tortoise and entertains it while exploring. Make sure it is safe and does not cause any accident when the tortoise digs.

1. Rocks( flat)
2. fake plants ( as real ones may be eaten)

Hide box:- A hide box is essential for baby tortoises and adults regardless if they are indoors or outdoors. Hide box gives them this opportunity to hide and allows their shells to grow nice and smooth. A plastic shoe box can be used for the purpose along with some moisture retaining substrate.

Tortoise housing is very important and you will have to do some research before providing one to your pet tortoise. You will want to keep your pet in proper temperature, humidity, bedding and have a proper overall good tortoise enclosure