Cages

Question
Dear Jeannie,

I wanted to know if I can use a deep plastic bottom like part of a small animal cage and then build the rest of it with plywood or use a very deep storage bin insted of them living in that tank the person at the pet store recommend that I buy that 20Lx29gal tank?

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

The person at the pet store didn't know what they were talking about, and you should be able to get your money back for the tank, because telling you to buy it for two tortoises was terrible advice.  Just because you can stuff them into that small of a space and they'll survive doesn't mean it's good for them.  

You don't have to use something too deep.  It needs to be deep enough so they can't climb out (so about twice as high as the biggest tortoise's length), but the main concern is that it be roomy enough.  I have a poly stock tank indoors for a pair of juvenile redfoot tortoises, for example, but you can use a big plastic bin (for two tortoises, it would have to be pretty big, though), an old bookcase turned on its back, etc.  You can also build a tortoise table.  Here's a link to pictures that may give you some ideas:  http://www.russiantortoisepictures.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=965.  If you have a yard, I highly recommend building an outdoor pen for spring, summer, and fall, so your tortoises can live outside at least part of the year.  Saves on electricity and gives your torts some natural light and fresh air!  :)