Tortoise Enclosure Review Plus Buying Guide For 2023-2024

Tortoise Enclosure Review Plus Buying Guide For 2023-2024 – If you have a pet tortoise or two, it’s about time that you invested in a proper tortoise house or enclosure.

Tortoise enclosures offer a safe and fun environment for your four-legged friend as they mimic their natural habitat and surroundings. Aside from being fun, tortoise hutches also need to be durable and offer ample space, as well as absolute safety from predators like birds in case of outdoor models.

To help you find the best tortoise enclosure for your pet, we tested and reviewed dozens of different products – outdoor and indoor tortoise habitat models included – detailing our favorites below.

We also put together a comprehensive buying guide in which we cover all things tortoise houses and enclosures, so to find out even more keep reading my Tortoise Enclosure Review Plus Buying Guide For 2023-2024.

Zoo Med Wood Tortoise House

The first pick on our list of tortoise enclosures is Zoo Med’s super-comfy and secure wooden house. This model is a great choice for environmentally conscious pet parents as it’s 100% natural and biodegradable.

The specialized wooden sliding door offers ultimate privacy and the meshed-roof section allows your tortoise to enjoy the sunshine.

Because of this and its weather-resistant properties, it suits both indoor and outdoor use, which is a big plus. In terms of size, it offers your beloved pet 36 inches in length x 24 inches in breadth x 12 inches in height.

It’s a great starter home for one tortoise, however, they should still be given space to walk around outside in the day while supervised and safe.

Key Features:

• Wooden tortoise enclosure
• Partly meshed roof for natural sunlight
• 36 inches length x 24 inches breadth x 12 inches height

Specification:

• Brand: Zoo Med
• Model: TTH1
• Weight: 26.2 pounds

Product Details:

• Wood siding provides privacy, so your tortoise feels safe and secure
• Place outside in garden so your tortoise can bask in natural sunlight
• Weatherproof sleeping area offers shelter and a safe retreat for your pet tortoise

PawHut Wood Tortoise House

The Pawhut tortoise house is the ideal enclosure for domestic tortoises. This particular hut has been designed with an in-built sleeping area that can protect your little friend from the elements and harsh temperatures whilst they sleep.

This area can also be filled with hay for added insulation to regulate temperature, and to create a more comfortable resting space. The fine mesh roof creates a solarium effect, letting the sun enter the enclosure, giving your tortoise a chance to relax in the sunlight and catch some vitamin D.

However, we have saved the best until last. The sides, and bottom of this enclosure can be easily removed, allowing your tortoise to have free roam of the world around it, whilst still being able to return to its home if it gets overwhelmed, or just fancies a nap.

Key Features:

• Includes built-in private box and basking areas.
• Removable side panels and bottom floor panel.
• Lockable latches around the lid for added security.
• Fine metal mesh top lets in sunlight.

Specification:

• Brand: PawHut
• Weight: 26.4 Pounds

Product Details:

• TWO-ROOM DESIGN: Pawhut’s large tortoise house features built-in private box and basking areas with a metal grating, making this large wooden enclosure the preferred housing when keeping tortoises indoors.
• INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Use indoors to keep your tortoise warm and secure during cold winter days and use outdoors during summer to provide natural sunlight on warm days. This means it’s a great habitat for your pets to roam, play, relax, and sleep.
• WIRE LID TOP: Lockable latches on top of the turtle terrarium helps to keep your reptile pet safe while enjoying the sunlight outside. This wooden habitat is also cat and predator-proof. Includes wooden handles so it’s easy to move when needed.
• EASY TO CLEAN: The side panels of the run area in this reptile home can be pulled out to enlarge the living space, and the bottom three-layer plywood can also be pulled out for easy cleaning.
• TURTLE HOME DIMENSIONS: 37″ L x 24.75″ W x 13″ H. Wire Top Size: 21.25″ L x 22″ W. Run Size: 22.5″ L x 23.25″ W x 11.5″ H. To make the wooden tortoise house last longer, putting a yoga mat to line the bottom is an excellent suggestion.

Hagen Exo Terra Short All Glass Terrarium

The Pawhut tortoise house is the ideal enclosure for domestic tortoises. This particular hut has been designed with an in-built sleeping area that can protect your little friend from the elements and harsh temperatures whilst they sleep.

This area can also be filled with hay for added insulation to regulate temperature, and to create a more comfortable resting space. The fine mesh roof creates a solarium effect, letting the sun enter the enclosure, giving your tortoise a chance to relax in the sunlight and catch some vitamin D.

However, we have saved the best until last. The sides, and bottom of this enclosure can be easily removed, allowing your tortoise to have free roam of the world around it, whilst still being able to return to its home if it gets overwhelmed, or just fancies a nap.

Key Features:

• Includes built-in private box and basking areas.
• Removable side panels and bottom floor panel.
• Lockable latches around the lid for added security.
• Fine metal mesh top lets in sunlight.

Specification:

• Brand: PawHut
• Weight: 26.4 Pounds

Product Details:

• TWO-ROOM DESIGN: Pawhut’s large tortoise house features built-in private box and basking areas with a metal grating, making this large wooden enclosure the preferred housing when keeping tortoises indoors.
• INDOOR & OUTDOOR USE: Use indoors to keep your tortoise warm and secure during cold winter days and use outdoors during summer to provide natural sunlight on warm days. This means it’s a great habitat for your pets to roam, play, relax, and sleep.
• WIRE LID TOP: Lockable latches on top of the turtle terrarium helps to keep your reptile pet safe while enjoying the sunlight outside. This wooden habitat is also cat and predator-proof. Includes wooden handles so it’s easy to move when needed.
• EASY TO CLEAN: The side panels of the run area in this reptile home can be pulled out to enlarge the living space, and the bottom three-layer plywood can also be pulled out for easy cleaning.
• TURTLE HOME DIMENSIONS: 37″ L x 24.75″ W x 13″ H. Wire Top Size: 21.25″ L x 22″ W. Run Size: 22.5″ L x 23.25″ W x 11.5″ H. To make the wooden tortoise house last longer, putting a yoga mat to line the bottom is an excellent suggestion.

Zoo Med Tortoise Play Pen

When it comes to tortoise hutches and enclosures, Zoo Med knows a thing or two. This delightful playpen is a brilliant purchase for pet-parents who want to give their tortoise some fun outside time.

The mesh exterior enables your tortoise to soak up some sunshine and the open bottom allows them to feel the grass or soil beneath their little feet. This model also has a safe and secure enclosure section so your pet they can escape the elements or potential threats if needed.

It’s important that your tortoise gets enough sunlight for their development and the growth of their shell so some safe outside time is a must when weather permits. This model, being open in a secure way and easy to assemble is perfect for this.

Key Features:

• Outside play pen
• Cedar wood and mesh
• Open floor so tortoises can feel the grass beneath their feet
• Great size for walking around – 40 inches by 20 inches by 17 inches

Specification:

• Brand: Zoo Med
• Model: TPP1
• Weight: 17.4 pounds

Product Details:

• Allows your tortoise to absorb natural UVB rays from sunlight, which is very important for their health and shell growth.
• Complete with private sleeping area””
• Easy to assemble

ROCKEVER Tortoise House

The ROCKEVER tortoise habitat is designed to be a secure and comfortable space for the shelled friend to relax. Not only goes the grate-style lid let in plenty of sunlight during the day. But there is also a lighting support bracket that can be used to wire in a heat lamp for use in the colder months.

Unlike many other tortoise enclosures, the ROCKEVER enclose even comes in two colors, with a chic white and grey option to suits a modern home. Additionally, it comes in two sizes so that you can pick the best enclosure to provide your pet with all the space they will need. The main thing that you should note when considering an enclosure like this is that the wood is not treated for outdoor use, meaning it is better used as an indoor enclosure.

Or else, it would be worth looking into having it treated before leaving it exposed to the elements.

Key Features:

• Available in two sizes and two colors.
• Quick and easy to assemble.
• Grate-style lid can be folded back for more sunlight.
• Light support frame included (no light).

Specification:

• Brand: ROCKEVER
• Weight: 27 Pounds

Product Details:

• Luxury apartment for your little friend: it’s perfect for tortoise or other reptile. Box size is about 36″X24″X13″ the grate space is 3.3″x1″.
• Easy to assemble with a screw driver, box came with everything ready to assemble, pre-drilled holes and hardware, the predrilled holes line up correctly.
• The grate and the latch are very durable that would make sure your tortoise stays safe.
• This turtle box is worth the penny. You will get what you pay for. It’s made of solid wood, and metal grate would withstand heat from the lamp.
• Color: yellow

Aivituvin Wooden Tortoise House

Number 6 on our list of tortoise enclosures is this simple but highly functional house by Aivituvin. This solid wood tortoise enclosure can be used both indoors and outdoors and comes with a waterproof plastic tray for easy cleaning and to protect your floors. This enclosure boasts two separate rooms.

The public viewing area allows your pet to bask in the sunshine and enables you to watch them, while the private sleeping quarters provide them some privacy. This area is weatherproof and thus protects your tortoise from the elements when needed. Overall, a durable, comfy house that’s perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

Key Features:

• 100% solid wood tortoise enclosure
• Activity area: 23.6 inches x 22.5 inches x11.2 inches
• Sleeping area: 13 inches x 22.5 inches x 11.2 inches
• Meshed roof for viewing and sunshine exposure
• For indoor and outdoor use
• Easy to clean up after your pet

Specification:

• Brand: Aivituvin
• Weight: 24.2 pounds

Product Details:

• ★ The bottom is all Surrounded, so dirt will not fall through now. Upgrade with Waterproof & Easy Clean plastic bottom to help keep moisture off the flooring. This tortoise house is perfect for Indoor & Outdoor use.
• ★ The only supplier to use 100% SOLID WOOD other than cheap plywood that is easy to rot from the moist soil and the turtles waste.
• ★ Unique design acrylic viewing on two sides make it easier both for you to look in your pets and they get to look out on you!
• ★ It comes with a “private” sleeping area & a “public” viewing area where the UV & Heat lamps are able to do their job. Weatherproof sleeping area offers safe shelter for your beloved pet.
• ★ We built the tortoise box with more Dense & Strong top wire lid, suitable for small animals, such as tortoise, lizards, geckos, and snakes. Easy assembly with pre-drilled holes.

Hamiledyi Turtle Tank Aquarium Amazon’s Choice

Made from high-grade, sturdy and non-toxic plastic, this turtle habitat is a fantastic choice for tortoises that like to have some indoor fun. This terrapin tank comes with multiple levels that are connected by a ramp for easy movement.

The ramp itself has a special non-slip floor to ensure that your pet is safe and secure at all times. There isn’t a top cover so if you have cats or other pets this might not work for you, however, if your tortoise is your only pet, this might be the perfect indoor enclosure.

Super-fun, stylish and easy to clean, this is a great option for pet parents on a tight budget.

Key Features:

• Sturdy plastic enclosure for tortoises
• Easy to clean
• 15.7 inches in length
• Basking platform

Specification:

• Brand: Hamiledyi
• Weight: 12.8 ounces

Product Details:

• Made from high grade plastic, non-toxic, sturdy and non-deformation, saft and durable for use. Terrapin tank with built in platform and ramp for basking.(Excluding accessories）
• The ramp has a non slip strip to aid the terrapin climbing. Design with 5 areas–docking ramp area, basking platform, feeding trough, breeding hibernation area and swimming area.
• Durable, strong plastic construction in kidney shape. Access ramp leading to an elevated lounging and feeding area.
• Unique home for baby water turtles, hermit crabs, little turtle, little tortoises, crayfish, small amphibians and small amphibious creatures, Suitable for small turtles within 2.5 inches.
• Package includes: 1Pc x 3 gallon Turtle Tank (do not contain lamp and filter) Gives your pet a healthier, more spacious aquatic environment, at same time gives you a new way to interact with them.

REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Terrarium

Last, but certainly not least on our list of best tortoise houses is Repti Zoo terrarium. This glass tank is perfect for easy viewing of your pet and its stylish design will be a focal point in any room.

It works well in both damp and humid conditions and is thus suited to reptiles such as snakes too. Glass construction enables you to retain ideal temperature and allows for thermal gradients when needed. While it is important for your tortoise to enjoy the great outdoors from time to time, this tank is a great pick for inside fun.

This stunning tank is easy to assemble, well ventilated, and has a specialized safety lock. Extra features, including reptile lamps and water bowls, can be bought separately so you can modify and adjust the tank according to your and your tortoise’s unique needs.

Key Features:

• Glass terrarium for tortoises
• Comes with a safety lock
• Waterproof bottom
• Easy installation
• 36 inches by 18 inches by 18 inch

Specification:

• Brand: REPTI ZOO
• Model: RK0119
• Weight: 58 pounds

Product Details:

• [Patent Design] Size of RK0119 :36″ x 18″ x 18″. Tough screen top provides ventilation and allows uvb and infrared penetration
• Raised bottom frame in order to fit a substrate heater; Waterproof bottom makes this tank can be used both as desert terrarium and rainforest tank
• Front doors can open separately, easy to feed your pet and prevent escape
• Window ventilation on left and right, on top and right have closable inlets for wires and tubing
• Easy to install or knock-down in 5 minutes with step by step instructions; Our glass terrariums are carefully packaged with tough cardboard and thickened reinforced foam for transportation. Should you have any questions when receive it, please feel free to contact us. Free replacement service provided for damaged parts.

Tortoise Enclosure Buying Guide For 2023-2024

What is the Best Enclosure for Tortoise?

The best tortoise enclosures have the following features:

Optimum size:

You cannot have a very large enclosure for a baby or small-sized tortoise and nor can you have a cramped one for a medium to large-sized species.

Always select the size according to your pet’s size. An optimum size is 36 x 24 x 13 inches (L x W x D). The enclosure you select should be large enough to allow shaded and sunny areas for your pets.

Must allow outdoor exposure:

All tortoises need sunlight for producing vitamin D and that is why the enclosure you choose should have a basking area. At the same time, there should be a covered or shaded area for sleeping and privacy.

Easy to clean:

Look for enclosures with wider opening on the top hatch or doors that open wide for easy cleaning so you can remove damp or used bedding/substrate.

Facility to add heater/lamps:

Tortoise enclosure ideas also include space heaters and/or heating pads to keep your pets from freeing. Look for ones that have a pole on which you can hang a lamp for easier viewing and wellness checks.

Escape proof:

Take care to keep the enclosure escape-proof as most tortoises are expert climbers. If there is a viewing area, ensure that a sturdy wire mesh covers it.

What Should Be Inside a Tortoise Enclosure?

Use the following tortoise indoor housing ideas to decorate your enclosure:

A. Substrate
Many species of tortoises like to dig and bury, so provide a thick substrate made of sand, soil, and composted leaves.

B. Plants
Add plants like aloe vera, geraniums, cactus, and turtle vines in the terrarium or enclosure.

C. Bedding
Add straw or hay bedding but take care that it does not become moldy otherwise it can cause dermatitis in your pets.

D. Accessories
Add accessories like bridges, sticks, decorative elements, shallow pots of water, etc. for your pets to climb, hide, or use as they need.

Best Tortoise Enclosure FAQ

To keep your tortoise healthy and happy, a nice, roomy and secure enclosure is a must-have. But with so many terrariums and houses for tortoises to choose from, finding the right one for your pet and home may be difficult.

To help you narrow down your selection, we prepared this practical buying guide, in which we talk about all things tortoise enclosures, including how to pick the best one for your little pet.

Q: How big should a tortoise enclosure be?
A: The more space that you can give your tortoise the better. They thrive best when their tortoise habitats have ample space, as well as some decorations.

As a general rule, hatchlings and older tortoises up to 4 inches in length should have a space of about 4 feet by 8 feet. Thus, if their inside enclosures are smaller, they will need a bigger outside pen in which to explore the garden and move around freely.

However, if you have an adult pair of tortoises you will want a much bigger space. About 10 feet by 20 feet is a great size for two bigger tortoises. Ultimately, you want to give your tortoise enough space to roam around without feeling too restricted.

However, safety is paramount, especially in outdoor spaces where they can be attacked by predators, so models with mesh roofs are a must-have when they’re outside.

This feature will enable them to walk around safely in their enclosure all the while being able to bask in the sunshine. In essence, the best tortoise enclosure is the one that is quite roomy but still secure.

Q: Can you use a rabbit cage as a tortoise cage?
A: With a few tweaks and changes, you can make a rabbit hutch or cage into a great space for tortoises and build a fantastic enclosure. However, rabbit hutches can be too small, so it’s advisable that your tortoise has ample time in a bigger outdoor pen too.

If you have a rabbit cage you will want to add in a plastic floor to ensure that your tortoise can’t slip through.

Q: What do tortoises need in their cages or enclosure?
A: Tortoises need plenty of space to roam around in their enclosure and should have both indoor time and outdoor playtimes. A minimum of 8 feet by 4 feet is advised, and larger breeds will need even bigger spaces.

A cage can offer safety at night but needs a few things to keep tortoises comfortable and safe. To make it the best tortoise habitat, you should include:

• Enough water, as it’s essential for all pets including tortoises
• An incandescent light for adequate heating
• Shredded newspaper, bark, or alfalfa pellets for digging
• These features, plus some decorations, will ensure that your pet has the best tortoise enclosure.

Q: What size tank is ideal for Russian tortoise?
A: Russian tortoises measure about 6 to 8 inches at adulthood. Although they are small, they need a fairly large enclosure to move and roam about.

The enclosure should also be tall since these expert climbers can easily escape. The best size, therefore, for the Russian tortoise is 36 x 12 x 24 inches.

Q: What are Red foot tortoise outdoor enclosure requirements?
A: The ideal size for red foot tortoise tank is 4 ft. x 8 ft. They need cypress bedding and an indoor/outdoor enclosure since they thrive outside too and need time to bask in the sun and graze outdoors.

Our Top Pick:

While we love all the enclosures on our list, we have opted for this fantastic product by Zoo Med as our best pick. This wooden tortoise hutch is a great choice for those who care about the environment and don’t want plastic homes for their pets.

The wooden sliding door enables easy access and the special meshed roof allows your pet to enjoy the sun’s rays whenever they want to. This pick works for both indoor and outdoor use and can be moved around pretty easily as it’s lightweight. It is also weather-resistant and can handle the elements.

Conclusion:

The best tortoise enclosures have optimal size and plenty of area for your pets to get some sunshine but also darkness to rest and sleep. Thanks for taking the time to read my Tortoise Enclosure Review Plus Buying Guide For 2023-2024.