Hi ive been doing a lot of research as I am about to buy my first tortoise,  but before I do I want to check i hav understood everything,  I have deciced to get a large rabbit cage, and put 50/50 sand and topsoil  in, I have also decided on a mercury hv/heat lamp with ceramic holder but not sure on the wattage? For the outside enclosure I was going to get a sand pit and adapt it to suit, I am also not sure what to do about heating outside what to use and where to put it can I bring my tort in on a night time as I live in the northeast it can be a bit cold at times. Any help or suggestions will be gratefully received. Thanks in advance.

Hi Pam, where are you going to buy your tortoise from?
We have a vivarium and a rabbit cage outside. Ours likes hay.
Be careful about putting your tortoise in the garden as ours has been stolen. There was a lot of press coverage about tortoises in our area so maybe this was a factor?