Hi there,

As my tortoises will be going outside soon, i was wondering if there is anything i can put in there enclosure to make it more exicting for them and what type of substrates would be suitable for them ? By the way i have 4 juvenile Spur-tortoises.

regards hannah and my 4 tortoises

are all 4 tortoises in one enclosure how old are they?an what type of enclosure are they in ??

I posted some pictures of there enclosure last year (its under Maisie and Joes Outdoor Enclosure). My Tortoises all live together and 2 of them where born in August 2008 and the other two where born in September 2009 so the younger 2 have never been outside before. They all get along very well so they will be outside together.

and also everything that was in the enclosure on the pictures has died :( so its just the frame and i need to get substrates and everything. But it has a sturdier lid on hinges this year.

Hi,

Sorry I can't see the photos, any chance of copying and pasting a link (the web address from the toolbar) where the photos are located please?

hi there, ive uploaded soem images of the cage that i have just taken. I have added the substrate to the enclosure but just now need to decorte it with plants and everything like that. Its a bit wet though in teh pictures because it has been raining :(

sorry cant find the pics ??????

sorry theres a problem with the uploader so the web address for last years photos is http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/130.asp?tID=3896

Hi Ellie,

I quite often use slate chippings as an alternative substrate. They're particularly good around the water dishes as it helps limit the dirt carried into them.
Small plant pots are quite good too for smaller tortoises and a piece of slate to feed from prevents them from picking up substrate when they eat and helps keep the beak in trim.

HTH
Darren

thanks Darren :D is hay alright to use on the inside bit or is anything more suitable - it used to be shredded paper .

hannah

hes what i have done so far and a picture of my tortoises - maisie, joe, dennis and Daisy

looking good

Hiya,

It looks great:-)
I wouldn't use straw as it has sharp edges which can damage the eye. I'd be inclined to stick with a sand/soil substrate, higher percentage of soil than sand and stones or slate and steer clear of substrate that may become damp and retain too much moisture leading to shell problems.

HTH
Darren

thanks darren, ill get some slate bits to put around there water bowl and im currently growing weeds, pansies and evening primroses to put in there cage then i just need to wait untill its warm enough and tehy can finally go outside :D