Indoor Housing- Part I
Although tortoises should be housed outdoors for the summer months, during particularly bad weather, you may want to bring them inside.
In these cases, I provide a simple but effective enclosure. Vivaria such as glass fish tanks are not suitable for Mediterranean tortoises because of their enclosed nature. They restrict the airflow too much and cause a very humid environment for the tortoise, often leading to respiratory problems or in a worst-case scenario conditions such as shell rot. Many garden centres and pet shops recommend this housing; however research shows that they are completely unsuitable for most species of tortoise.
My adult’s indoor enclosure is comprised of an insulated shed, which is suitable year-round as an enclosure, however for a smaller number of tortoises, an indoor tortoise table is perfectly adequate to keep them indoors. A 'tortoise table' has the advantage that it has an open topped.
The increased air flow is much more suitable for a mediterranean tortoise and allows for a suitable temperature gradient to be achieved.
If you would like instructions on building your own tortoise table, Lin King (the T-lady) has an excellent guide on her web site (as well as other fantastic information and is a must-read for all tortoise owners) The guide can be downloaded from her site at the following link: