CARE SHEET

OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION FOR HATCHLINGS & SMALL TORTOISES

This is my design for outdoor accommodation for Mediterranean hatchlings.  The design is also suitable for smaller species such as Horsfield's tortoises.

It is important to note that an outdoor electricity supply is required.  If you are in any doubt as to how to go about installing such a supply, then I strongly recommend that you consult a competent electrician - don't take the risk.

It is also important to ensure that any wood treatments used for the hutch or shelter are non-toxic.

NOTE : Click on photos for larger view.

	Dig a rectangular hole about 15 - 18 inches deep and line the base and sides with wire mesh.  The area will depend on the number of tortoises you intend to keep and amount of space you have available. Refill the hole with soil, adding some sand and compost - for drainage. Construct the foundations for the wall using concrete. Construct the wall using bricks breeze blocks or other suitable material.  I have used ornamental blocks left over from a previous job.
	Place a suitable shelter at one end of the run. I have used a well-constructed rabbit hutch. Ensure that the shelter or hutch is waterproof.
	Another view of the run.
	Another view of the run and shelter.
	Install the electrical components. The centre lamp is a basking lamp (a 60 watt reflector bulb should be sufficient) connected to a timer.  This can be set to switch on and off at certain times and can also be overriden manually. The other two lamps are night time reflector bulbs (60 watts each) and are connected to a dimming thermostat set at 12 - 14 Celsius.  The minimum temperature in the shelter will be 20 Celsius.
	A view of the shelter with lamps in place.
	Another view of the shelter.

Once the construction is complete, the run may be planted out with a mixture of edible plants, weeds and ground cover.  A shallow dish of water sunk into the ground and rocks (for basking) should also be supplied.

Copyright : Slowcoach 2001