Building the best tortoise house for your pet is of great significance. However, there are various factors that you must consider before building one. The first and probably, the most important factor is the size of your tortoise. Since tortoises are such reptiles which grow quite large in size, it would be most appropriate to keep them outdoors. Hence, it would be much better to build an outdoor pen for them which would give them enough floor space to roam about. However, if you are thinking about erecting a house rather than a pen, you must first find out how large will your tortoise grow. Irrespective of the fact that they grow slow, they turn out to be quite huge animals. Thus, keeping this factor in mind is quite necessary. It is a universal belief that you require an area of about 3 square yards (2.5 square meters) for every 12 inches (30.48 cm) of your tortoise’s size.The second factor that you must consider when building your pet’s house is that tortoises burrow and dig into the soil and dead leaves. Thus, there must be enough space for them to burrow, hide and do whatever they want to do. The third factor that must be remembered is that certain materials such as iron or steel wire are harmful to tortoises. Hence, you must never build a cage out of these. Fourthly, your pet’s house must be properly protected so as to prevent it from escaping. And so, it is necessary to make sure that you build high or sloped walls that are difficult for it to climb and move out. Fifth, if you are building a wooden house, make sure that you don’t paint it with such a paint that can prove to be toxic for your pet. The sixth factor is that it is better that you don’t keep your tortoises in glass tanks. The reason for this is basically that glass tanks have poor ventilation because they are not large enough. They are also not capable of being able to provide a proper temperature gradient for your tortoises. The seventh and a quite significant factor is that irrespective of whatever type of house you build for your tortoise, an ideal house would only be the one that is properly maintained and is hygienic. Thus, it is necessary that you keep your pet’s house neat and clean.
A good tortoise house is required if you plan to keep a tortoise as a pet. There must be an appropriate home for it. There are a number of factors to consider fully before you begin building a tortoise house. If the tortoise you have chosen is small in size, then it will do well enough in a glass aquarium. Although they are lazy in nature, they require some place where they can roam and relax their body. Choosing the right material for the tortoise house is very important. Glass is risky to use as it can be easily broken during cleaning. Wood can be used but it absorbs water, making it not a perfect choice. Plastic is a good choice. It is very easy to clean, as well.
Tortoises are usually best kept in outdoor, enclosed spaces. You should try to provide an environment similar to their natural habitat. If it is not possible for the whole year, at least one season must be spent there.
One of the major troubles with indoor housing is providing sufficient floor space. Most species of tortoises grow very large, so a comparatively large space is required. The material you choose for your tortoise house must be relatively easy to clean. The place should be capable of maintaining different temperature zones for the tortoises.
Some Considerations
Making a tortoise house is a tough task, especially done for the first time. There are a number of aspects to consider fully before you attempt to build or buy a pre built tortoise house. You must know the exact dimensions of your required cage. Openings should be included in your design. The interior and cleaning passage should also be thought out beforehand. You must also have planned to secure the enclosure so that the tortoise can not escape. Indeed it must be a perfect living environment for your pet.How Large the Tortoise House Be
Find out how large your tortoise may grow over the years. Even though their growth is slow, they will grow. They also like to search around and climb. Additionally, tortoises have a habit of burrowing and digging into the soil and dead leaves, so you will have to consider this when setting up your tortoise mini home.It is believed to be a universal standard that for every 12 inches (30.48cm) of your tortoise’s size, you require 3 square yards (2.5 square meters) of area. Keep in mind, the tortoise will grow. If you have a tortoise that is 12 inches (30.48cm) now, you could go with a home 9 ft long by 9 ft wide (2.74 x 2.74 meters). This is an appropriate size that will be adequate for some time.
Tortoises like to hide and burrow, so this must be taken into account. If you choose a wooden house, make sure to paint it with non toxic paint for safety reasons. Never make a cage of iron or steel wire that could harm your pet.
Be certain that your tortoise house is protected. Sloped or high sided walls are best to prevent escape, as a tortoise will climb if at all possible. The side walls must be at least double the height of your tortoise.
A house is essential to keep a pet safe and healthy. To keep a tortoise as your pet, the thing required the most will be a suitable and comfortable tortoise house.
Therefore, keeping all these important factors in mind is very necessary because they are of great significance in maintaining your tortoise’s good health. Thus, they not only protect your tortoise from any harm, but also help in building an ideal tortoise house.