Baby Tort Duplex - Part 2

[magoo]

Well, as promised, here's the rest of their habitat being built!

You can see the ramp coming together on the following pictures - and also how the 2 levels are joined together.

[magoo]

Now it's pretty much finished, apart from adding the sides (this is just thin plywood board screwed along the edges.

The second picture shows their original house, which is tiny by comparison to the existing one

[magoo]

Some more pictures....
The two blocks at the bottom of the ramp hold it in place - the ramp is a tight fit between them, and it just "wedges" in there - no need to secure it any further. The 2 blocks are screwed in from underneath.

[magoo]

We've put sand and pebbles in the bottom level now - I'm thinking about getting some sort of "pond" with a pump and filtration device in there, too - just so they have water whenever they want.

[magoo]

It's been about 3 weeks since the new home was complete, and they're loving it - they use the ramp all the time (I was a little afraid it would be too steep for them, or they just wouldn't want to use it). Nugget has made his own little "hidey hole" spot near the temperature guage - he digs himself in at night. Sheldon tends to go downstairs at night for the cooler environment.
The plants we put in aren't doing too well - I think they need a bit more sunlight than we have in our room. Oh well, they can be replaced easily enough - they just add a bit of interest to their home and make it a bit less boring for them!

[bc1940]

Hi,
House for torts looks brilliant. I am sure they will enjoy it for many years.  If you put a water feature make sure you put a waterproofing on the wood floor, else it will soak into the wood and probably wet your carpet ( looks as if it is on a table ) carpet or table.
 .It sounds a good idea, as you say they need water.

They both look as if they are growing well. I am sure they are very happy in their new home.
bc1940 shrek
thanks for lovely pictures.

[bc1940]

Hi, Just been looking at the new home for the baby torts.  Can you still tell the difference between the two baby tortoises?  They look very much the same to me.  What is the difference please.  I see one of them like the corner of the house.  You always said magoo always went to the corner when you took him indoors.
Is he indoors yet?  It certainly is cold here now at nights and early mornings.
Bye for now bc1940 shrek.

[magoo]

It's easy to tell them apart - Sheldon has a lighter colored shell and nugget has a darker shell.
They also have totally different temperaments - Sheldon is laid-back and doesn't really mind you touching him/her and picking him/her up, while nugget is really skittish and runs away as soon as you look at him/her.

They are both adorable in their own way, though! 

[bc1940]

Hi,
Would love to compare new pictures of tortoises with the ones you posted when you first had them to see the difference in size and weight.
Any chance of new pictures please. Hope the house renovations are progressing.  Looking forward to seeing new pics.
shrek bc1940

[magoo]

They are at least 3 times as heavy now - they can barely fit in the plant pot in the pictures above. Will take more photos of their new "single level" home when I get chance - it's actually a lot better for them - they have a shady area and double the space to walk around in now (and they don't get stuck going down the ramp!)

[bc1940]

Hi,
look forward to seeing pictures of new house for the tortoises and also their size  compared to the previous baby ones of them both.  What is their weight now?
Be interesting if you could put the first pictures next to the new ones you are going to take. Fairly soon please.
shrek bc1940

[magoo]

I think the "enjoy for many years" comment was very optimistic. They outgrew the home in around 3-4 months. They are currently inside now, in a 5 foot square pen. Hopefully, when we move to our own place, I will be able to construct something more permanent for them all.