14-08-2016, 03:56 PM | #1 |
Member
Incubating
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 198
|
How I built my indoor hingeback enclosure
This is how I built my indoor enclosure for when I had 4 homes hingebacks, I've since upgraded to a much bigger one, but this design could work for a few other species too.
The concept is basically in 2 halves, one side is covered with perspex, this side contains the heat and uvb, its covered so I can keep the heat and humidity levels correct year round. The open side is basically an indoor garden that is open to the natural room temps. This enclosure is about 5x6ft, so not huge but with plenty of outdoor time when possible it works fine. I started with 2 simple cargo creates I had built(about £50 for both), you could easily do this with 2 old cupboards or chest of drawers laid on there back, we just didn't have any at the time. Then I cut a hole in each box to act as a doorway between the 2. Then I lined both boxes with a liner, pond liner will do but they sell a heavy duty liner at B&Q much cheaper, I've known people use shower curtains too, anything that will hold the moist substrate from rotting the wood. As these are a rainforest species they require it extra wet. Then I put in coco coir for substrate at around 6" deep, followed by plants, hides, dried leaves, cyprus mulch. Basically anything that imitates the forest floor and provides safety for worms, slugs, snails, woodlice and any other bugs that get in there. This helps to create an indoor bio ecosystem. It worked very well apart form my herd got too big for this enclosure. You can see where I had to upgrade the fence because these guys are the masters of climbing in the tortoise world. Anyway, hope it helps someone with ideas. Then I upgraded the fence Because this species is a forest dwelling tortoise it doesn't require a basking spot and doesn't like it too bright, so i created a fake vine canopy under the UVB source, So the UVB acts like its dappled through the trees. Thank you Craig Last edited by Anyfoot; 14-08-2016 at 04:00 PM. |
14-08-2016, 06:56 PM | #2 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,243
|
Really well thought out Crqig, simple but effective!
|
14-08-2016, 08:17 PM | #3 |
Senior Member
Sub Adult
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1,400
|
Very impressive and given me lots more ideas to be a little more creative in the outbuilding area.
Thank you
__________________
Jan Horsfields - Bertie & Beatrice |
15-08-2016, 01:58 PM | #4 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Devon
Posts: 11,364
|
Very clever, Craig. It looks really good. As Lynn says, simple but effective. I'm sure it'll give others a lot of ideas.
__________________
Emma Testudo Hermanni 5.12.2:Theo, Tamara, Tabitha, Harriet, Isabelle, Clara, Oscar, Hugo, Oliver, Florence, Arabella, Esmé, Aurelia, Felicia, Claudia, Atticus, Celestia, Amaris, Tristan and Clementine Budgies: Jasper, Ivo, Otis, Henry, Louie and Luca Doggies: 1.1.0 Chester and Lottie |
15-08-2016, 02:02 PM | #5 |
Member
Incubating
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 198
|
Thanks Emma,. Yeah there are always many ways to achieve the same thing, if this thread gives just one person some new ideas then it was worth it.
|
15-08-2016, 02:22 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Devon
Posts: 11,364
|
Definitely and you underestimate yourself - with the photos of the enclosures you've been posting I think you'll be giving lots of people some incentives and ideas.
__________________
Emma Testudo Hermanni 5.12.2:Theo, Tamara, Tabitha, Harriet, Isabelle, Clara, Oscar, Hugo, Oliver, Florence, Arabella, Esmé, Aurelia, Felicia, Claudia, Atticus, Celestia, Amaris, Tristan and Clementine Budgies: Jasper, Ivo, Otis, Henry, Louie and Luca Doggies: 1.1.0 Chester and Lottie |
15-08-2016, 09:43 PM | #7 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 6,769
|
That's brilliant, and very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
__________________
Suze. 3 THB, Sammy, Jemima, & Phoebe 7 Marginated, Tabitha, Ptolome, Tatiana, Noah,Lottey, Lulu & Poppy 1 TGG (Emma) RIP Feb 2012 |
15-08-2016, 09:48 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Adult
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SE England
Posts: 4,259
|
loving all the wood. Very very nice and great ideas, CB
__________________
Horsfields, Spur Thighed, & Marginata |
16-01-2017, 06:01 PM | #9 |
Junior Member
Egg
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
|
Amazing! Well done
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests) | |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|