Indoor Housing
03/09/2012 21:19
Today, I thought I would talk about how large the indoor housing should be for tortoises as I have had a few questions about what is the best size. firstly, I always say get the largest you can and at least 3 1/2 feet long and 2 feet wide; larger if you have the room. The reasons for this are; The hatchling needs stimulation and the more room it has the better . If it is too small and you have a water dish, feeding area and a tunnel there won't be much room left for foraging and exploring. I know when you have a hatchling and it is so tiny the idea is it doesn't need the space until it gets bigger. WRONG , it needs it now so that it has places to go and will be much happier for it. As the hatchling grows it will definitely need lots of space to explore etc. I do recommend a large indoor rabbit hutch because it is a one stop housing; you can put the mesh lid on for the garden so you know your tortoise is safe if you go out. It is great if you go on holiday and a family member looks after your tortoise for you as it is light and easily moveable. It is plastic so it is so easy to clean and disinfect; basically it will last for years and years. I know wooden ones are lovely and if you prefer them thats fine just make sure it is big enough for your little one to grow and also big enough so that you won't have to buy another one in a year or so.When I have my hatchlings in the indoor hutches I have found they change their sleeping area nearly every day just as they would in the wild. Obviously, in good weather you can put them on your lawn for a walk on the wild side ! As long as you stay with them of course as they do move quickly when they want to. So, just think about a goldfish in a tiny bowl going round and round with nowhere else to go!! It will only grow to the size of its surroundings and although you don't want your tortoise to grow too quickly you want it to grow happy and healthy with space to chill !!! If you have any questions please go the the new forum and leave me a message......
