I start a new job next month as teacher/ farm manager at a school farm. They have 3 leopard tortoises that were rescues through Airport Customs confiscations. They're big guys, looked after very well. But there is a fair-sized poly tunnel I'd like to convert into a LT paradise.It will need re-covering and insulating, but already has electrics in place. Ideas so far include: variety of substrates (sand, straw, topsoil), sunken shallow water trough with ramp, inner wooden house for night time security, basking spot, partial under floor heating (soil-warming cable?), straw bales for extra insulation around sides, pots and planters for fodder/ prickly pear, outer run for sunny days. Is it achievable for year round accommodation? What other ideas/ considerations do you have? I want to demonstrate to our students the absolute best husbandry for all our animals and make it stimulating and safe for the tortoises.Thanks in advance.

Hello Keeley,

Thanks for the reply. Not sure of weights of the tortoises. I'd say the biggest two were 16" shell length and one a bit smaller. Will weigh them when I start in post in August. The poly tunnel is roughly 12 metres x 3 metres. It's set on earth within an enclosed large garden. Plenty of space around it for an outside run, I'd say about 4 squared metres by either end and a metre all around. The tunnel is partially shaded, so remains cooler at one end. There is a large pond in the garden, so fencing will ensure the tortoises can't get to this. Open to suggestions as to the inner structure. It will have to be predator proof as foxes have been sighted at night.There is also a smaller glass green house in the garden 2m x 3m with a slate substrate which could be used (perhaps just in winter). 

Thanks for the details.

Do please bare in mind that polycarbonate absorbs UV light. These sub-Saharan species require a good deal of UVB to maintain their health. Keep them outside of the tunnel whenever the weather permits and supply UV lighting in the tunnel at all other times.