The Tortoise Table

Hey all,

I wanted to share my new setup for my tortoise. I'm really excited about it, although non tortoise folks think I'm a little crazy! I know each of you get the same feeling when you see your tortoise happy!

So, only one of the two bulbs are providing heat and uva/uvb, the other is to keep the table brightly lit, and gives off uva/uvb only. The water was clean, but Pattern decided to go for a swim

I need to add cuttlefish still, will do this in a moment. Oh and all the plants are on the green list for Tortoises!

Narr

Hi Narr,

Oh wow -- that is a great set-up! Something that a lot of people don't know is that tortoises get really bored and lethargic if they are in boring surroundings and can see from one end of their table to the other without interruption. Your table provides so much interest -- all those little hidey places, different surfaces to walk on, things to walk around and through.

Pattern will never get bored! It's brilliant, and I hope others can take inspiration from it. Thanks so much for the photos, and I think that Pattern is one lucky tortoise to have found a home with you. Those bendy log things (are they called fiddlesticks?) are especially nice -- I have them in my table and my two love nothing more than to climb up one side and slide down the other -- it's hysterical.

You should be so proud of what you created!

Nina

Hi Nina,

Thanks so much for your kind words! I actually am a little obsessed with enrichment!

Narr

I can't think of anything better to be obsessed about!

Nina
[attachment=0]turtsdancing.gif[/attachment]

Finally I'm happy with Pattern's table... Here are the final pictures!

Well, Pattern is one lucky tortoise. Lots of different textures to walk over and strengthen his muscles, lots of things to break up the sightlines so he doesn't get bored, and just generally lush.

If my naughty tortoises were in that table they might gobble up the plants before too long, but maybe Pattern has better manners.

Just one question. I can't quite see if the big piece of slate is directly under the lamp or not, but if it is, does it get very hot? That would be the only thing I might worry about, but if it doesn't get uncomfortably hot then it's perfect.

All in all a brilliant job and you must be so pleased with your work!

Nina

Hey Nina,

I am really so happy with Pattern's environment now, and I think she loves it too! Thankfully Pattern only takes the odd nibble, but I have a couple of each plant so I can swap them as she does enjoy climbing over them!

Yes the slate is directly under the lamp, but that one only gives off uva/uvb. The heat/uva/uvb lamp is on the other side of the table!

Thankyou so much for your kind words!

Its a great table. Your Toroise will enjoy it

PhilBen wrote:
> Its a great table. Your Toroise will enjoy it

Thanks!

This space looks so cool, Pattern will be very happy in his new home.