Tortoise Town

With the addition of Genuine Drexel and the formation of our Tortoise Creep, things were getting a little crowded for our two growing dudes, or gals, or dude and gal (Hermann's Tortoises are not easy to sex, especially ones so young).  I used Margaret's impending birthday as an excuse to spend money on lumber and tools and build her a tortoise table (we all know I did it for the Torts but Margaret likes it too). Here is the process:

 4' x 4' box

 A "small" hide box

Non-toxic water proofing rubber (Thanks Flex-seal [as seen on tv])

Access doors attached

In its final location and with legs attached

 With substrate, decorations, and torts in:

Final trimmings:  Brackets to hold the doors when opened, my idea, patent pending.

 Interior UVB lighting with holes for the cords to exit.

Two UVB lights and 1 infrared basking lamp.  (That's right! We got lights falling off both ends of the spectrum! Dont be jealous of our tortoises sweet digs.)

 Here it is all opened up!

I know that was a lot of pictures of a wooden box, but I am a very proud man.

Here is GB practicing to be the world turtle.  His head often emerges half an hour before the rest of him so he can get a good look around and see if anyone has brought him plantains or dandelions yet.

The inspirational poster on GBs wall:

They also have an outdoor enclosure now.  Who knew tortoises would (and enjoy?) climbing vertical pieces of wood?

"Sharing" a strawberry top

Me: What sound does a tortoise make?

Edie: Yomp! Yomp!