How to Build a Heated Tortoise House

Depending on the climate where you keep a tortoise, a heated shed or house is often necessary on cool nights. Different species of tortoise require certain temperatures and humidity levels to remain healthy. Northern climates are not suitable for most tortoises to remain outside year round, thus indoor housing is needed. Keep the needs of your particular type and size of tortoise in mind when planning any housing.

Things You'll Need

  • Shed, doghouse or built shelter
  • Heat lamp or heat mat
  • Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
  • Thermometer
  • Thermostat (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Buy a small garden shed or doghouse of the appropriate size for the tortoise. The tortoise should be able to easily enter, turn around and exit. If housing more than one tortoise, allow room for all to move freely. Heavy plastic sheds and doghouses are ideal for larger tortoises. Building a box-shaped shelter with insulated walls and ceiling will also serve the purpose. The floor should be off the ground and the roof slanted and covered with shingles or other protection from rain. One tortoise, 1 ft in length, does well in a 2 ft x 2 ft house, whereas, 3 ft x 3 ft is sufficient space for 2 tortoises of the same size. Use a ball or bowl of similar size to help determine if the tortoise or tortoises will be able to move freely in the planned size.

    • 2
      Securing the tortoise from predators and theft is important.

      Incorporate a locking door to keep tortoises secure from predators and theft during the night. Do not build tortoise housing airtight -- there must be ventilation. If you choose a pre-built house, ensure adequate ventilation by drilling small holes at the top of the enclosure, if necessary. Most plastic garden sheds and doghouses have adequate ventilation.

    • 3
      Check temperatures often to ensure safety and health of the tortoise.

      Suspend heat lamps above the tortoise's sleeping area with enough height to keep from burning the tortoise. Use a thermometer to determine the temperature and how close to the tortoise's area to place the heat lights. Another option is using heat mats, most often sold as pig heat mats. These have heat coils enclosed in a rigid plastic with a thermostat available to help regulate the temperature.

    • 4

      Drill holes large enough to run the electrical cords through the back of the tortoise house to prevent a potential hazard. Large tortoises may get entangled in cords and all tortoises occasionally bite furnishings in their enclosures to check if it is food.

      Take safety measures around electricity, such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Fire is also a potential hazard. Use caution with heat lamps and secure them in place, well out of reach or the tortoise.