How to Make Your Own Tortoise Terrarium

There are many breeds of tortoise that make wonderful pets for a variety of people. They are relatively easy to care for and carry fewer diseases than turtles. However, they require a very specific habitat to maintain optimum health. Most tortoises require a hot and dry climate that you can create by building a tortoise terrarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Spare room
  • Tarp
  • Coconut shavings
  • Tortoise shelter
  • Timothy hay
  • Rocks in a variety of sizes
  • Heat lamp
  • UV lamp
  • Cuttlefish bone
Show More

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Clear out the room that you intend to convert to a terrarium. Tortoises need plenty of space to move and explore, but they also need to stay warm so the room must be free of drafts. Lay the tarp down, being sure to cover all visible floor space.

    • 2

      Spread the coconut shavings across the floor in a layer at least 2 inches deep. Often you'll purchase coconut shavings as bricks, so you will have to separate these bricks into shavings before spreading them. Make sure the coconut shavings are dry to prevent the growth of mold.

    • 3

      Add Timothy hay to the coconut shavings and mix well. You should end up with a layer of hay and coconut shavings that is deep enough for the tortoise to burrow under if it chooses. The tortoise can digest both the hay and the coconut, so they are safe floor coverings. Do not use wood shavings or other items commonly used for small pets.

    • 4

      Place the shelter in an accessible spot. There are many types of shelters available for tortoises, but the most common is the cork refuge. Tortoises like to burrow under these and hide from the sun, so if you can find a cork refuge, your tortoise will be happier. Other shelters designed for small animals will also work, provided the tortoise can fully hide itself when necessary.

    • 5

      Add rocks of different sizes to the room. Tortoises like to climb and explore, so create a habitat where they can do so. Keep in mind, however, that they have very short legs. They'll need gentle slopes and short rocks. A large boulder would be out of place in a tortoise terrarium. Also add the cuttlefish bone in an easily accessible spot. The tortoise should not have to climb to reach the cuttlefish bone.

    • 6

      Set the thermostat in the room to 70 degrees F. In one corner of the room, install the heat lamp so that one area can be increased to approximately 85 degrees F. This will give the tortoise some choice in regard to temperature.

    • 7

      Install the UV lamp. Since tortoises need Vitamin D as much as people do, this lamp should project both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to turn this lamp off at night and turn it back on it the morning.

    • 8

      Allow your tortoise into the terrarium and monitor the animal closely. Tortoises are delicate animals, so educate yourself on tortoise care and health and find a vet that specializes in dealing with these creatures.