What is the best tortoise enclosure?
Tortoises are among animals that live for long years, even longer than many humans. Therefore, giving your pet tortoise a comfortable environment to stay and thrive in is an essential matter.
A convenient enclosure should be similar to your tortoise’s natural environment. You should provide your pet with a safe and comfortable place that fits their needs.
Best Tortoise Enclosure
 | ROCKEVER Tortoise House |
| VIEW ON AMAZONVIEW ON TRACTOR SUPPLY |
 | Zoo Med Tortoise Enclosure |
| VIEW ON AMAZONVIEW ON CHEWY |
 | Unipaws Tortoise Cage |
| VIEW ON AMAZON |
These are our top picks for the best tortoise enclosures – you can’t just use a turtle tank!
We chose them to fit different types of tortoises that have different needs and space requirements.
1. ROCKEVER Tortoise House Habitat – Most Versatile
ROCKEVER offers a versatile enclosure that can be comfortably used indoors and outdoors.
This house is medium-sized to provide your tortoise with plenty of safe space to stay and play in.
The enclosure is divided into a small closed compartment so your pet can hide in one part and have a bigger run area in the other.
The closed part has an upper metal support rod in case you want it open or to check on your tortoise. Furthermore, it has a removable floor that you can keep or replace.
The rest of the enclosure is surrounded by wired sides and an upper retractable cover. It’s also lockable with a strong metal latch to prevent your pet from escaping. Unlike the shelter section, this run section doesn’t have a floor.
Your tortoise can have fun staying in this house out in the garden on the grass. You can also keep it cozy indoors by using a reptile carpet or a heating pad.
The whole set is sturdy and made of solid wood with metal grates. You can choose between grey or yellow.
This indoor and outdoor tortoise house is 40.2 x 36 x 14.2 inches, weighs 35 pounds, and is constructed of sturdy of wood and metal.
Pros:
- Convenient for outdoors and indoors
- Has plenty of space
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- The run area has no bottom
- Relatively expensive
2. Zoo Med Tortoise House – Best Indoors
This Zoo Med wooden enclosure is separated into two areas.
One area is a closed weatherproof part for your pet to sleep and feel safe. The other larger area has an upper lockable wire cover for your tortoise to enjoy roaming outside without being in danger.
This house is a convenient choice for a baby tortoise or if you’d simply rather keep your pet indoors. It can also be suitable for taking outdoors now and then to let your little tortoise bask under the sunlight.
However, avoid keeping it out in rainy or harsh weather as it isn’t designed as a total weatherproof or a waterproof enclosure.
As it’s made of wood, it’s better to fully cover the bottom not to absorb any moisture. You’ll find it easy to check on your tortoise and put food and water through the wire cover with no complications.
Moreover, for a bigger space, you can get two houses and connect them by removing the end panel. It will give your turtle more space and freedom.
The dimensions of this tortoise cage are 37 x 25 x 13 inches, it weighs 26 pounds, and is made solely of wood.
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Durable
- Has a closed safe area
Cons:
- Suitable for small species only
- Not waterproof
3. Unipaws Fir Wood Tortoise House
This is another tortoise enclosure that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The wood has been treated to resist the bad weather and keep it from rotting or deteriorating. The hinges, screws, etc are galvanized to keep from rusting.
There are great latches on the enclosure so that you can easily get in and shut the box again, while at the same time ensuring your pet cannot escape!
There are also wooden handles on each end for easy transport. You can even move it outdoors during the day for natural light, then back indoors at night.
The dimensions of this cage are 33.9 x 22 x 12 inches, it weighs 17 pounds, and is primarily made of Chinese fir wood.
Pros:
- Weather-resistant
- Well reviewed
- Durable and tough
Cons:
- Not for large tortoises
4. PawHut Wood Tortoise Habitat
The PawHut Tortoise Habitat is much the same as the previous options, though it’s a good idea to compare prices between the various sellers. Don’t pay more for the same thing.
This hut has the same 2 room design with wire mesh netting on top. It opens and closes easily, and it is safe for holding tortoises and other reptiles. It could make a good spot for a turtle to shed its shell as well.
This enclosure is made from pine and has the following dimensions: 37″L x 24.75″W x 13″H.
Pros:
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Affordable/cheap tortoise enclosure
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Not the best quality option
5. HiCaptain Tortoise House Enclosure
The HiCaptain Tortoise Cage is another highly rated option.
It’s also constructed of wood, has two doors, and has a two-room design for play and rest.
It comes as a flat pack but is easy enough to put together with ordinary household tools. It’s reasonably durable, but these types of cages don’t tend to last a lifetime.
People have successfully used this cage for other creatures as well such as an indoor rabbit hutch and gerbals.
Pros:
- Easy set up
- Good size
- Very cheap
Cons:
- Sometimes screw holes not pre-drilled
Outdoor And Indoor Tortoise Enclosures
There are a few things you need to consider when purchasing or setting up your tortoise enclosure.
Type Of Tortoise
Tortoises have many species, such as Greek, Red-Footed, Sulcata, Indian Star, Leopard, or Russian Tortoise.
Each species has unique characteristics and needs. That’s why learning more about your tortoise species is a good starting point. You need to be aware of what suits your tortoise best when checking different enclosures.
For instance, the Russian tortoise can do well in an outdoor enclosure in temperatures that don’t go below 40 F. Because it’s small, you won’t need a large enclosure for it.
You should also keep in mind the age of your pet. For example, a baby tortoise should be kept safe and in enough space to grow comfortably.
Space
It’s crucial to provide plenty of space for a tortoise. This allows it to roam around freely and not feel stuck in a restricted small area.
As for deciding the location of your enclosure, you need to put your pet’s needs and safety in mind. Indoors are always the best choice if you have a baby tortoise that can be attacked. It’s also the best choice during harsh or rainy weather.
Yet, an outdoor enclosure is easier to clean and wouldn’t make any mess in your place. It also allows you to get bigger-sized enclosures.
Still, notice that some species can tolerate being outdoors more than others.
For instance, Sulcata tortoises, a large breed, can endure high and cold weather more than many other species. This makes them suitable for outdoor enclosures.
Light And Temperature
The exact amount of light you should provide for your pet depends on its species and origin. Direct sunlight is always the best choice for your pet.
If not possible, you’ll need to compensate with UVA and UVB bulbs installed in your pet’s enclosure.
Bulbs are also a good source of heat in the enclosure. Heating pads and ceramic heaters are among the kits used to increase the temperature in tortoises’ houses.
Furthermore, humidity is essential for tortoise environments. The amount of humidity in the enclosure depends on your species as well – a reptile humidifier may or may not be needed.
To add the moisture your pet needs, you can use a layer of the substrate to hold water or add misted plants to the enclosure.
Bedding
A suitable substrate and bedding aren’t only for humidity. They’re also among the main parts of the tortoise’s natural, comfortable habitat.
There are many types of beddings that you can choose from. The type you choose depends on your tortoise and its needs, as well as your preference.
Tortoise bedding includes:
- Soil
- Sand
- Coconut husk
- Sphagnum moss
- Wood chips substrates
For instance, some people prefer soil substrates because they’re natural and provide an excellent walking surface for your tortoise.
However, their strong smell and the possibility of containing bugs and insects prevent some people from using them.
Best Tortoise Habitat
Setting up a tortoise enclosure can be a fun and creative process.
There isn’t one type or size suitable for all. All is possible as long as you keep your four-legged friend safe, comfortable, and happy.
Learning and researching about your tortoise species is how you can make this happen.
Still, our top pick is the versatile ROCKEVER Tortoise House Habitat.
It’s convenient for both outdoor and indoor tortoises and very easy to set up and move. The retractable cover gives you the freedom of checking on your pet and cleaning any mess.
The Zoo Med Tortoise House is an excellent alternative.
It’s cozy and it suits babies and small-sized tortoises. It’s also easy to take out in the sun and take back indoors whenever you like.
Tortoises can make great pets for the right people when you have the right set-up. They’re a bit more unusual compared to the family dog, but perhaps not as unusual as a bearded dragon!