Help, Garden having re vamp do I buy a shed or greenhouse for my shelled one's dont want to make an expensive mistake. which would be best?

Kx

Hi Sky
Really depends on what species you have size etc, but if you look on the members gallery under Molly or Keya I have posted photo's of their enclosures. It may just give you some ideas or make you think what you don't want. Hope this is a start for you.
Jane

First of all please remind us on the species of tortoises you keep. It really does depend on how you want to use your tort accommodation but both are fine.  Just provide us with a few more details and we'll see what we can come up with for you.

Helen 

Hi, i have Hermann's, I just dont want to waste any money getting it wrong!!

I keep Spur-Thighs (Iberas) here. I now have both a greenhouse and a heated tortoise house (large shed). Both have their advantages/disadvantages.

Sheds are very easy to insulate and so heat. When the weather is cooler or if it becomes necessary to over-winter a tortoise, this is by far the most cost-effective option. The downside to a shed is there is very little natural light. I do know people who have used polycarbonate for a roof which gets around this somewhat, but even then they don't let in as much natural light as a greenhouse.

Greenhouses are much lighter and a tortoise will be more active if it is lighter - though are much harder to heat if the weather is colder. If over-wintering becomes necessary – this is an extremely expensive option.

Personally I don't think there is a 100% choice either way and it’s a matter of preference.

Darren

Hi K, Where abouts in the country are you? I have a combination shed/greenhouse. I think you have to look at our changing climate and do what is more economical to keep your Hermann at the correct temp. If you buy a shed and insulate it well then you could at a later date add a small cold frame or green house via a hatch or cat flap. An old patio door laid on top of breeze blocks can provide an ideal make do green house to begin with. In one of my set ups I have a large fish tank turned upside down and placed on 3 sides of bricks undeneath: this has worked very well for these juv. on the cooler days allowing them to gain extra room but remain warm whilst being stimulated by natural daylight.

HTH

Elaine

Thanks to everyone for your reply's. The garden is having a revamp. I have a coldframe for the torts at present, I think I will see how they go this year, weather wise and then invest my money may be in a toolshed with attachments!!!!!   Watch this space.

Kayx