Animal Care
Tortoise Habitats - Our Adoption Requirements
Tortoise Housing Requirements
Most all reptiles require a variation of the same basic components to be healthy; Appropriately Sized Enclosure, UVB Lighting, Timer, Overhead or Underneath Heating, Thermostatic Controller, Substrate, Hide, and a Water Source. It is important to size these components appropriately to each other as well.
A small 13 watt compact fluorescent UVB light may work well on a 20 gallon terrarium where it is 6 inches from the reptile, but the same light would not work at all on a 40 gallon terrarium where it is 13 inches from the reptile and the UVB light will not reach. Conversely, a large 18"x18" under tank heater may work great on 40 gallon terrarium on the hot side but would cover the entire bottom of a 20 gallon terrarium providing no room for a cold side at all.
When planning your enclosure, you should take into account not just the current size of your reptile but more importantly the adult size of your reptile or you may end up buying the entire setup twice or even more times as they grow in order to keep them healthy.
Below is a diagram covering the basic minimum components of your reptiles enclosure. We have provided links at the bottom of this page to help you locate and purchase these items often at a much lower price than what you might find at your local pet store.
Small Baby Tortoise Indoor Setup
Small Tortoise Outdoor Setup
Basic Recommendations
Russian & Hermans TortoiseEnclosure - Optimally you are going to want a at least a 40 gallon terrarium to support a baby tortoise for indoor. This allows you easy access to the animal without having to touch or move hot light housings. Most reptiles prefer to be approached from in front of rather than above as well. An adult tortoise will need to have an outdoor enclosed habitat roughly 6ft by 8ft. Custom outdoor enclosures will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Lighting - You are going to want strong UVB lighting with strong UVA lighting.
Heating - Ceramic Heat Emitters are a great wat to provide day/night heat without the light that a basking bulb generates Optional Light/Heat Combo kit: Thrive UVB + Heat Desert Set Themostat - Do not ever place an heating with your reptile without it being controlled by a thermostat or you risk baking or burning your pet.
Timer - Having a consistent light cycle actually benefits your reptiles health both by ensuring a consistent 12hr UVB period and a consistent 12hr rest period.
Substrate - We recommend Orchid Bark
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Sulcata and Desert Tortoise
Basic Recommendations
Sulcata and Desert TortoiseEnclosure - Optimally you are going to want a very large open area that is secure from escape, flooding, has shaded portions and is free from any dangers. When it comes to desert tortoises these are pretty much all custom built. Lighting - If you bring your Desert tortoise indoors then you are going to want strong UVB lighting with strong UVA lighting.
Heating - Ceramic Heat Emitters are a great wat to provide day/night heat without the light that a basking bulb generates Optional Light/Heat Combo kit: Thrive UVB + Heat Desert Set Themostat - Do not ever place an heating with your reptile without it being controlled by a thermostat or you risk baking or burning your pet.
Timer - Having a consistent light cycle actually benefits your reptiles health both by ensuring a consistent 12hr UVB period and a consistent 12hr rest period.
Substrate - We recommend Orchid Bark
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