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| Chosing the right indoor and outdoor housing Posted: 27/01/2015 by kedenham |
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Hi all,
I am preparing to get my first tortoise. I have done lots ofresearch but I still have a few outstanding questions:
· As is it our first tortoise – is there aparticular breed that is easier/hardier and what age would be better? I wasthinking of a 3-5 year old horsfield but would a Hermann be better? · I am going to have a tortoise table indoors anda separate enclosure outdoors as recommended: o Forbritish weather how often is it OK for the tortoise to be outside? Does theoutdoor accommodation need to be heated? We have a southwest facing garden. o InLondon, is it safe for the tortoise to be outside overnight due to foxes? o Theindoor tortoise table would be in our kitchen extension which can be almostgreenhouse like in some weather, will this be too warm? · The accommodation I was thinking of getting was thisand thisin the biggest size. o Whatsize of indoor and outdoor enclosure would be needed for a five year oldtortoise, to allow for some growth over the next five years? o Forthe outdoor enclosure – is it possible to have a door so that he can get outinto the wider garden and roam when we are in the garden, or is this toodangerous (worried about hawks etc.) · With sufficient food and water, can a tortoisebe left alone for the weekend or not? · Is it bad for the tortoise if you paint thetortoise table/outdoor enclosure? Is any particular paint better?
Thanks!
Really looking forward to it and just want to make sure weget the absolute right set up. | |
| Re: Chosing the right indoor and outdoor housing Posted: 30/01/2015 by Tom |
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Hello K, Avoid Horsfields. Hermann's or Spur-thighed are best but from a breeder, not a pet dealer. See box on L. "Buying a Tortoise" (Centre = shop / dealer. You are unlikely to get a 3-5yr tort. from a breeder. Very young torts from a breeder are a delight to have. o Outside when it's 'nice' weather, with shade available. A mini poly-tunnel is useful. o We often have foxes in the garden & no prob. in 40+ years. Others report deaths. o If v. warm the tort will be outside ? I'll look at your enclosures later & reply. A 5yr old needs at least 15sqm, wooden sided. A 1st yr tort needs a small table, say 60 x 40 x 18cm high. Start small & increase as it grows. o No - don't allow outside the enclosure, it's unkind. They become unsettled in their own encl. & keep trying to escape. Re hawks - which species are in your area? The crow family are a poss. prob . for sm. torts., so wire netting on top of enclosure when small. With captive animals it's best to have a 'checker'. You would need to find a safe paint. TPG Caresheets are available - click "The Tortoise /..." box. Regards, Tom | |
| Re: Chosing the right indoor and outdoor housing Posted: 30/01/2015 by Tom |
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I've looked at the items you were thinking of buying - The £99 'table' on Ebay is poorly designed & v. expensive. (And far too small for a 5yr old.) A plastic u'bed store box with brown "Fablon" on the inside of the walls is better & costs v. little. Similarly the outside enclosure is expensive. You just need some 15 x 3cm timber, nailed together. Wire ( from some £1 shops) can be loose, held down with 2 half bricks, cost - below £10. Regards, Tom | |