How to Build a Tortoise Habitat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your tortoise needs a comfortable and safe place to hang out, so create a superb tortoise habitat to keep them healthy and happy! Use our tips and step-by-step guide to create the perfect habitat.

Tortoises have specific needs, so creating a suitable tortoise habitat can be challenging. Read our tips and a step-by-step guide for creating a tortoise habitat to give your reptilian friend an idyllic home.

Understanding the Needs of Tortoises

First, let’s discuss what a tortoise needs to be happy in their habitat:

Different Species’ Needs

Before you do anything, research your tortoise species. The differences in needs between species are substantial, as some need immense heat, while others just need a little warmth. Some species need more room than others. Most have very different dietary requirements. The list of varying factors goes on, so whether you have a Russian tortoise, Sulcata tortoise, Hermann’s tortoise, Indian Star tortoise, Greek tortoise, or another type of captive tortoise species, research your specific reptile species carefully.

Indoor or Outdoor

Most people agree that having the habitat indoors is better. An outdoor enclosure is more challenging to monitor and control, so temperature, humidity, and lighting can be problematic. Wild animals may happen upon the habitat and bother your tortoise. An outdoor enclosure is best though if you have large tortoises like Red-foots or Sulcatas.

Size Needs

Make your tortoise habitat as large as possible. If you have limited space, try to give at least 16 square feet to small tortoises and at least 32 square feet to medium pets. Large species need roughly five to ten times that. They need room to exercise, forage, and play.

Materials

The best materials for a tortoise habitat are plastic or wood, as they may hurt themselves on metal or glass. Wood is best because it can adequately retain heat without overheating, but plastic can work for smaller species. Most people use plywood because it’s affordable, but almost any variety of wood will work.

Heat Supply

Some people position the habitat in direct sunlight, which is an okay option. We recommend installing a heat lamp or belly heat device. You can also have both! When using natural sunlight, position the habitat so there are some shady places for the tortoise to cool off if necessary.

Escape-Proof Design

Tortoises can climb and dig better than most people realise. If your enclosure has gaps, slanted walls, or weak points, you can assume your tortoise will exploit these to go on an adventure. If there is no roof, the height of your walls should be at least double the length of your tortoise. So a ten-inch long tortoise needs 20-inch tall walls.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Tortoise Habitat

Below is a step-by-step guide for creating a comfortable and hygienic tortoise habitat.

Choose a Location

First, you need to choose a spot. We recommend indoor habitats, so look for a spacious area in your home, possibly a spot near a sunny window. You can place the habitat on the floor or a hard surface, but nothing should be on top.

Settle on a Design

Once you choose a spot, decide what the dimensions of the enclosure will be. We mentioned the space requirements above, but you can configure the dimensions in any way that suits your space. Raised habitats allow for storage underneath. Two or three-level reptile habitats can be excellent space savers. Decide if you want a roof or just higher walls to prevent escape.

Gather Materials

Once you’re confident in your design, gather the necessary materials. Depending on your design, you may need wood or plastic for the walls, linoleum for the floor, and hardware. You can always buy a pre-made tortoise habitat to make your life easier!

Create the Walls

If you’re making the habitat from scratch, start with the walls. Cut the wood or plastic to the necessary dimensions, keeping the walls as tall as possible. Attach the four or more walls and check that the walls are perfectly vertical and do not slant in or out.

Make the Floor

Use a linoleum liner to create a safe and waterproof floor. Wood floors pose a few hazards, including mould growth, dampness, and splinters. Linoleum is the best option, but tile or plastic can also work. If desired, create a sloping floor with the linoleum by adding wood beneath one side. This slope can help you create a little pool.

Add a Roof (Optional)

You can add the roof once you set up the floor and walls. Ensure you create a small door on top to open the roof to let your tortoise out for playtime. Most habitat roofs have a wire screen, lock, and hinges.

Set Up Water, Heat, and Vegetation

Create a small pool using a plastic tub. If you made a sloped floor, you could just fill that with water. Make sure the pool is only one to two inches deep to avoid a drowning hazard.

Add the heating element in a different part of the habitat so they have one place for warmth and one for cooling off. Add plants, fake or real, that are safe for your pet tortoise. Other accessories include moss, logs, and rocks.

Build a Hideaway

Give your pet hiding places in their new home. Create a structure for your tortoise to hide when they want some alone time. Usually, a small wooden or plastic box is the perfect size.

Add Food and Water

Add a food and water dish to your habitat. Add some tortoise friendly edible plants, like native grasses or leafy greens. Do not place food or water in direct heat or too close to the pool.

Invite Your Tortoise!

Your habitat is ready, so invite your pet tortoise to check out their new home. Keep an eye on them for the first few hours to ensure they’re safe and comfortable.

Monitor and Maintain

Ensure you regularly check the following factors:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Cleanliness
• Signs of damage

Perform the following maintenance regularly:

• Clean every two to three weeks
• Replace substrate every two to three months
• Refresh pool water every two to three weeks
• Refill food and drinking water daily or as needed

Recommended Products For Tortoises

Final Thoughts

Building your tortoise habitat thoughtfully is essential, but maintenance and monitoring are, too. Keep a close eye on your tortoise’s comfort in the new habitat for the first few days or weeks, and keep it as clean and safe as possible with regular maintenance.