How to Make Tortoise Enclosures Outside

Tortoises often make excellent pets for reptile enthusiasts because they tend to be docile and easy care for once their habitat has been established properly. One of the most natural ways to keep a tortoise is in an outdoor enclosure. If your tortoise requires environmental conditions that are similar to those where you live, your tortoise will be comfortable outside. However, precautions must be taken to ensure that the tortoise has everything it needs to remain healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Digging deterrents, such as concrete or net-filled trench, metal sheeting or bricks
  • Fence or wall materials
  • Climbing deterrents, such as wood overhang or sturdy netting
  • Shade areas, such as a dog house or planted area
  • Water area, such as a shallow pool
  • Peat moss or top soil
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Designate an area of your yard for the tortoise enclosure. This area should be at least 16 square feet in size. An even larger enclosure area is often better, especially if you have a large tortoise. Research the particular space needs of the tortoise species you have.

    • 2

      Ensure that predators cannot dig into the enclosure, and tortoises cannot dig out. Tortoises like to burrow, and can easily escape. There are several ways to deter digging. A trench between 1- and 2-feet deep can be dug around the perimeter of the tortoise enclosure. This trench can be filled with concrete, or strong netting can be secured to the trench walls. You can also pound sheet metal into the ground around the enclosure. For small tortoises or areas with few predators, large bricks can be laid around the perimeter of the fence to keep them from digging under the fence.

    • 3

      Erect a fence all the way around the perimeter of the tortoise enclosure. Choose a fence material that will be hard for the tortoise to climb, such as wooden fencing, as opposed to chain or net fencing. You can also build a brick wall. Whatever you choose should be at least one-and-a-half times higher than the length of the full-grown tortoise.

    • 4

      Prevent the tortoises from accidentally climbing out. Even with tall fences, tortoises can sometimes find ways to escape. You can install netting over the entire area, attaching it to the fence by tying it or nailing it, depending on what type of fence you have. This is also a good idea for areas where tortoise predators can fly or jump into the enclosure.

    • 5

      Provide a shady area for the tortoise. Tortoises can become dangerously hot in areas where there is no shade. A premade dog house is often a simple choice. Hollow logs, thick bushes or trees, or even benches, also can create shady areas.

    • 6

      Provide a place for digging. Most tortoises like to burrow in soft soil. This helps keep their skin moist and cool. Provide a deep spot of soft top soil or peat moss. The digging area should be deep enough that the tortoise can completely bury itself.

    • 7

      Provide a water area. Most tortoises like to bask in the water. A shallow pool will work well. The pool must have sloped sides or a ramp, so the tortoise can enter and exit easily.