Homemade Turtle Cages

A pet turtle can be a fun addition to your family. Keeping it in a good habitat can help the turtle be happy and healthy---and give you even more of a chance to enjoy it. Whether you have a water or land turtle, the cage you make must be able to hold it safely.

  1. Water Turtles

    • Red-eared slider turtles are among the water turtles that need a water environment. If your turtle came in water from the pet store, it will need to live in water. Find an old aquarium, preferably a 25-gallon tank that will accommodate the turtle as it grows. Put large rocks on one end of the aquarium and use small stones or gravel (large chunks that the turtle cannot eat) to fill in the areas around the rocks. Create a descending plane to the bottom of the tank. Fill the tank with water so that there is a swimming area and a basking area. Put a turtle or reptile light over the basking area. Make sure that you have a water heater and a filter for the tank as well.

    Land Turtles

    • For tortoises or land turtles, you can make a cage out of just about anything. Build a wooden habitat that is 4 feet by 5 feet. Fill the bottom with sand and dirt and add food and water dishes. Suspend a heat lamp above one corner. You can also use an old aquarium and not put any water in it. Decorate with fake trees or fake plants.

    Lids

    • Your turtle might be able to climb out of its cage or tank, depending on how big it is and the type of tank it has. Make sure that there is a securely fastened lid on the tank at all times. This is especially needed if you have dogs, cats or other animals that might bother or try to get at the turtle.