I am looking to adopt a tortoise and i am currently working on an outdoor enclosure. I am planning on putting chicken wire under the ground to ensure he wouldn't be able to escape however in regards as to which material is ideal for the walls and a roof i am confused as to what would be appropriate. 

The roof is needed as i have cats and although they are very well behaved i wouldn't want to leave anything to chance. 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

sadie xx

It depends on the age & species you get. Adults need at least 15sqm.

Cats are not a problem for adults. Netting can be used for young ones.

Click on the "Photo Gallery" box for ideas.

Only Horsfields burrow, but they need some depth of soil in which to behave naturally.

Regards,

Tom

Thanks for your swift reply, i think netting will work perfectly. 

I an looking to get a horsfields tortoise hence the undergroud wire so thank you for your advice. 

Sadie. 

Avoid pet dealers at all costs, if they courier - they are dealers, some are 'pretend' breeders. [Click on the "Buying a Tortoise ……" box.

Tom

Thanks again for the advice, im looking to avoid pet dealers at all cost and am aiming to adopt/ rescue a tortoise so definitly won't be heading to a pet shop! 

Thanks again, 

Sadie. 

I have a few more questions on this theme please as we have built an outdoor enclosure for a 10 year old horsefield called Frank who has recently come to live with us.

1) heating. We use a heat lamp at night and when it's cold. Directly under lamp temps reach 25 degrees cel but in other areas this drops to 12. We have tried to insulate the enclosure but perhaps not enough? Should I keep the mega ray light and heat bulb on during the day (see below)

2) at the moment I just open the door to let him out every day, should I keep the light or heat lamp on inside when I do this?

3) condensation; our Perspex roof has a layer of condensation all the time: should I be creating better ventilation?

I have tried to upload some pics and thanks for your input!

Molly and Frank