Indoor Setup for Active Tortoises
An indoor setup ensures a safe, comfortable space for tortoises needing temporary housing. Proper burrow, heating, and nutrition help maintain their health until they can return outdoors.
Safe, Spacious & Comfortable
Temporary Indoor Spaces for Tortoises
Tortoises should live freely outdoors. However, under some conditions a tortoise must be kept indoors separate from other tortoises for a few days: 1) The burrow is not complete and the tortoise needs a cool place to spend the hottest part of the day, and 2) The tortoise has an open wound and protection from flies is vital. The following setup will help avoid the extreme distress to a tortoise if it is confined to a box or very small area.
If possible, give the tortoise the freedom of at least one room. Small juveniles should have an area at least 5′ x 10′. A piece of lumber at least 12″ to 18″ wide can be supported across each doorway to keep the tortoise in yet allow you to leave the doors open. To give the tortoise only part of a room, create fencing of cardboard cartons tall enough to prevent the tortoise from reaching the top with it front legs & heavy enough to prevent the tortoise from moving the boxes.
Where there is access to the walls, the tortoise will tend to move along them, so secure extension cords up out of reach. For furnishings that might tip over, move them at least a tortoise width away from the wall. Free a corner of the room for the temporary burrow. A dark corner is best.
Building a Safe Burrow
Creating a Comfortable Temporary Burrow
For the burrow use a cardboard box that is just wide enough for the tortoise to turn around and two to three times the length of the tortoise. Remove one of the long sides making a U shape. If necessary, trim the sides so they will clear the top of the tortoise by about 2″ (see figure below). For more than one tortoise, make a burrow for each. Cut a hole in one of the short ends just large for the tortoise to pass through. If the box is the proper width, just remove one of the short ends.
Turn the U-shaped box over so the open side is on the floor in the chosen corner. To protect the floor, lay a piece of waterproof plastic on the floor and cover with several sections of newspaper. Replace them when soiled. If the tortoise soils the floor covering elsewhere, have ready a bottle of “Natures Miracle,” found in most pet supply stores.
Heat Source Setup
Proper Temperature Setup for Tortoises
The tortoise will regulate its temperature if given options. To help, set up a heat source, even in summer. Use a clamp-on light socket to shine a 75-watt reflector bulb 10″ to 12″ above the floor so the tortoise can warm its body for eating and digesting food.
The light can be clamped to a free edge of a cardboard box cut to the proper height. Clamp the socket so it shines outside the box. Put heavy articles in the box to prevent tipping due to the light fixture or if nudged by the tortoise. If more than one tortoise is using your setup, you may need more than one light. Place it on the side of the tortoise enclosure away from the burrow. Turn the light on and off as the sun rises and sets or use a timer from 6 am to 8 pm. Do NOT use a heat lamp or UV bulb that produces heat. Once the tortoise eats regularly, there will be need for the cool UV bulb & fixture sold for reptiles.
Before you introduce the tortoise, place a reliable thermometer on the floor directly under the reflector bulb. When the temperature has stabilized, raise or lower the fixture to create 94° F. The temperature in the burrow should stay between 76° and 80° F.
Before you introduce the tortoise, place a reliable thermometer on the floor directly under the reflector bulb. When the temperature has stabilized, raise or lower the fixture to create 94° F. The temperature in the burrow should stay between 76° and 80° F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Care FAQs Explained
Find answers to common questions about desert tortoise care, rehoming, and conservation. Learn essential guidelines to ensure their well-being, protect their habitat, and support responsible ownership practices.
1. What type of habitat does a desert tortoise need?
A secure, outdoor enclosure with shade, burrowing areas, and a 4′ x 4′ water pavilion to keep water cool, plus natural vegetation for foraging.
2. What should I feed my desert tortoise?
Offer a diet of native plants like grasses, weeds, and flowers, avoiding processed foods. Provide calcium supplements and fresh water daily.
3. How do I maintain the tortoise’s water dish?
Keep it filled with fresh water, clean with water only (no bleach), and allow natural algae for oxygenation. Ensure it’s shaded and stable.
4. Can I keep my desert tortoise indoors?
No, desert tortoises thrive outdoors in desert climates. Indoor setups are unsuitable long-term; they need natural sunlight and space.
5. What temperature and lighting does my tortoise need?
Maintain outdoor temperatures of 75–95°F, with shade available. Provide natural sunlight for UVB, essential for shell and bone health.
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