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Tortoises require lots of room to move about, get direct sunshine, and to thermoregulate. These bi-level "townhouses" were built to maximize indoor space using repurposed materials, and to provide safe, fun housing for overnight and for overcast days.
This simple "dog run" was turned into a "sun run" for these tortoises who need outdoor access, but are not in a secure enough location to roam freely. Edible plants and grasses are poking through to nibble on freely.
A underground burrow is the next phase of this project!
Need some Habitat Help? I'm also glad to consult with your own contractors, handymen or groundkeepers to retrofit your yard to be a little slice of heaven for your sweet turtles and tortoises. Email me for details!
This is a simple design for an XL Tortoise House. Features are 4 barn doors to open without necessarily releasing the animal, a "hardee board" bottom for staying dry (cover with hay and optional replaceable wood), and the ease of hosing and raking with a wide opening and grates in the back.
The house is lifted off the ground for temperature and moisture control. Sloped roof keeps water/ other animals from resting on top. Ideal for a Sulcata- aka your "Shelled Horse!"
Playing with "Planet Zoo" as a design tool. Redesigned a friend's yard with some suggestions for enrichment. So fun!
Some more resources for making appropriate places to thermoregulate and hibernate.
Arizona Game and Fish Pipe Burrows and Cinder Block Burrows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHJMzPX0cMk
DIY Burrow from a Rubbermaid Storage Shed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqqwqr4E8IY
Check out my Pinterest page for more tortoise yard inspo!! https://pin.it/4mSNnORV1
Watch this video to the right for a Truly Happy Turtle. So heartwarming <3
(yes, it's ok to call them turtles)
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