Tortoise Tables

A Complete Guide to Raising Young Tortoises and Keeping Smaller Species Indoors & Outdoors

Tortoise tables can be an excellent way to provide a safe, spacious, and easy-to-maintain home for tortoises. Whether you are raising a young Sulcata, keeping a Russian or Hermann's tortoise, or looking for a way to give a smaller tortoise species more room to explore, a properly designed tortoise table can offer many advantages over a traditional glass aquarium.

Tortoises need more than simply a container with food and water. They need appropriate temperatures, UVB lighting when kept indoors, a suitable substrate, hiding areas, room to exercise, and protection from hazards and predators.

The good news is that a tortoise table can be customized to provide all of these things.

In this guide, we'll look at how to use tortoise tables for young tortoises, smaller tortoise species, indoor and outdoor setups, and how you can even convert a chicken coop or dog kennel into an outdoor tortoise enclosure.

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

What Is a Tortoise Table?

A tortoise table is essentially an open-top enclosure designed specifically for keeping tortoises.

Unlike a traditional glass reptile tank, a tortoise table generally provides a much larger floor area and better ventilation. It can be built from wood, purchased as a ready-made enclosure, or created by modifying another structure.

Tortoise tables can be used:

• Indoors for young tortoises

• Indoors for smaller adult species

• Outdoors during appropriate weather

• As temporary growing areas for young tortoises

• As supplemental outdoor exercise areas

• As larger habitats for tortoises that have outgrown traditional tanks

One of the biggest advantages is that you can build the enclosure around the tortoise rather than trying to fit the tortoise into a standard-sized tank.

Why Use a Tortoise Table Instead of a Glass Tank?

Many new tortoise keepers start with an aquarium because they are readily available and seem convenient.

However, a glass aquarium isn't always the best long-term housing option for a tortoise.

Tortoises are primarily ground-dwelling animals, so floor space is usually much more important than vertical space.

A tortoise table allows you to provide a large footprint while still keeping the enclosure relatively simple.

Some advantages include:

More floor space:
You can provide substantially more room for walking, exploring, eating, and exercising.

Better ventilation:
An open-top design allows excellent air circulation when used appropriately.

Easier access:
Feeding, cleaning, checking temperatures, and rearranging the enclosure are generally easier.

Easy customization:
You can add hides, plants, feeding areas, water dishes, climbing features, and other enrichment.

Room to grow:
A properly sized table can give a young tortoise considerably more space before an upgrade is necessary.

Easy access to lighting and heating:
Indoor tables can be equipped with appropriate UVB lighting and heat sources positioned over the enclosure.

Using Tortoise Tables for Young Tortoises

A tortoise table can be particularly useful when raising a young tortoise.

Young tortoises may be small, but that doesn't mean they should be kept in an extremely small enclosure.

In fact, giving a young tortoise adequate room to move around encourages natural behaviors such as walking, exploring, grazing, and searching for food.

For example, a young Sulcata may start out very small but eventually become a very large tortoise. Planning for growth can save you from repeatedly purchasing and setting up increasingly larger habitats.

A young Russian, Greek, Hermann's, or other smaller species may also benefit from having a spacious enclosure that allows for natural movement.

Build for the tortoise's future

When designing a table for a young tortoise, think beyond its current size.

Ask yourself:

• How large will this species eventually become?

• How much floor space can I realistically provide?

• Will the enclosure need to be upgraded later?

• Can the lighting and heating equipment be adjusted as the tortoise grows?

• Can I expand the enclosure if necessary?

Planning ahead can make tortoise keeping much easier.

Tortoise Tables for Smaller Adult Species

Tortoise tables aren't just for babies.

They can also be excellent permanent habitats for smaller tortoise species.

Species such as:

• Russian tortoises

• Hermann's tortoises

• Greek tortoises

• Egyptian tortoises

• Indian star tortoises

• Other appropriately sized species

may be suitable for large indoor tables depending on their specific environmental requirements.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that a smaller tortoise doesn't need much space.

Small tortoise does not mean small habitat.

A smaller species can still spend a considerable amount of time walking, exploring, grazing, digging, and searching for food.

The larger the safe enclosure you can provide, the more opportunities your tortoise has for natural movement and enrichment.

How Large Should a Tortoise Table Be?

There isn't one universal table size that works for every tortoise.

The appropriate size depends on the species, age, adult size, activity level, and how much time the tortoise spends in the enclosure.

As a general principle:

Bigger is better when the enclosure can be safely maintained.

This is particularly important with active species.

Before purchasing a table, measure the available area in your home and determine the largest practical enclosure you can accommodate.

Remember to leave enough room around the table to safely access:

• Heating equipment

• UVB fixtures

• Food and water

• Hides

• Thermometers

• Substrate

• Electrical connections

What Should You Put Inside a Tortoise Table?

A good tortoise table should be more than an empty wooden box.

The goal is to create a habitat that allows the tortoise to perform natural behaviors while giving you the ability to monitor and maintain the environment.

1. Appropriate Substrate

The substrate is the material covering the floor of the enclosure.

The correct substrate depends on the species and its environmental requirements.

Avoid using random materials simply because they are inexpensive or convenient.

The substrate should be appropriate for the species, allow natural behaviors such as digging where appropriate, and be maintained properly.

Avoid substrates that create unnecessary risks if accidentally consumed or that contain harmful additives.

2. Hiding Areas

Tortoises need places where they can retreat from the open area of their enclosure.

You can use appropriately sized:

• Commercial reptile hides

• Wooden hides

• Tortoise shelters

• Half logs

• Purpose-built shelters

• Other safe structures

Having multiple areas to choose from can make the enclosure more interesting and give your tortoise greater control over where it spends its time.

3. Food Area

A dedicated feeding area can make cleanup considerably easier.

Flat feeding surfaces are often preferable to deep bowls for many tortoises because they provide easy access to food.

A feeding station also helps keep food from becoming mixed into the substrate.

4. Water Dish

Fresh water should be available according to the needs of the species.

Choose a sturdy dish that is difficult for the tortoise to tip over.

The dish should also be appropriately shallow and easy for the tortoise to access.

A heavy reptile water dish can be particularly useful because it is less likely to move around the enclosure.

5. Temperature Monitoring

One of the most important pieces of equipment for an indoor tortoise table is a reliable way to monitor temperatures.

Don't simply assume that a heat bulb produces the correct temperature because it is labeled as a particular wattage.

Use thermometers to monitor different areas of the enclosure.

A handheld infrared temperature gun can also be extremely useful for checking surfaces and basking areas.

UVB Lighting for Indoor Tortoise Tables

UVB lighting is an important part of many indoor tortoise setups.

Tortoises kept indoors may not receive adequate natural UVB exposure through ordinary windows.

A properly selected reptile UVB system can help provide the UVB exposure required by the species.

When setting up UVB lighting, pay attention to:

• The type of UVB fixture

• Bulb strength

• Mounting distance

• The manufacturer's recommended installation distance

• Whether the bulb is positioned over the appropriate area

• Replacement intervals

Don't assume that simply placing a UVB bulb somewhere above the enclosure automatically creates an appropriate UVB environment.

The fixture should be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and the needs of the particular species.

Heating a Tortoise Table

Temperature management is another major advantage of a tortoise table.

Because tortoise tables are generally open on top, heating and lighting equipment can be positioned above specific areas.

This makes it possible to create a temperature gradient.

Instead of making the entire enclosure the same temperature, you want appropriate warmer and cooler areas so the tortoise can move between them.

Depending on the species and setup, heating may involve equipment such as:

• Basking lamps

• Ceramic heat emitter

• Other appropriate reptile heating equipment

Heating equipment should always be installed safely and used with appropriate temperature controls where applicable.

Why a Thermostat Can Be Useful

A thermostat can be an important part of a controlled indoor heating system.

Instead of allowing a heater to operate continuously without temperature control, a compatible thermostat can regulate the heat source based on the temperature at the thermostat's probe.

This can help reduce the risk of overheating and make maintaining a stable environment easier.

However, a thermostat is not a substitute for monitoring the enclosure.

Always use independent thermometers to verify temperatures in different areas.

Creating an Indoor Tortoise Table

An indoor tortoise table can be placed in a dedicated reptile room, spare room, garage area, sunroom, or another suitable space.

When choosing a location, consider:

• Ambient room temperature

• Drafts

• Direct sunlight

• Electrical access

• Flooring

• Humidity requirements

• Accessibility

• Space for future expansion

Avoid placing the enclosure somewhere that makes it difficult to safely manage electrical cords or heating equipment.

Consider protecting the floor

Indoor tortoise tables can occasionally have spilled water, damp substrate, or other moisture.

A waterproof liner or protective flooring underneath the enclosure can help protect your floor.

This is especially useful with large tables containing substantial amounts of substrate.

Can You Put Multiple Tortoises in One Tortoise Table?

This is an important question.

The answer isn't simply "yes" or "no."

Tortoises can have different personalities and social behaviors, and some species may be territorial or aggressive toward other tortoises.

Adding another tortoise isn't automatically going to make either tortoise happier.

Before housing multiple tortoises together, research the specific species and consider:

• Species compatibility

• Sex

• Size differences

• Enclosure size

• Feeding behavior

• Territorial behavior

• Available hiding areas

• Ability to separate animals if necessary

In many situations, keeping tortoises separately can make monitoring feeding, growth, behavior, and health considerably easier.

Using Tortoise Tables Outdoors

A tortoise table doesn't have to be an indoor enclosure.

A properly constructed table can also be used outdoors as a controlled outdoor habitat or grazing enclosure.

Outdoor housing can provide something indoor setups cannot completely reproduce:

Natural sunlight.

Natural outdoor conditions can also give tortoises opportunities to walk, explore, graze, dig, and experience environmental enrichment.

However, an outdoor tortoise enclosure must be designed much more carefully than simply placing a wooden box in the yard.

The Most Important Part of an Outdoor Tortoise Table: Security

A tortoise may seem slow, but they can be surprisingly determined escape artists.

An outdoor enclosure needs secure walls and should be designed around the tortoise's ability to climb, dig, push, and squeeze through openings.

Depending on the species, you may need to consider:

• Digging underneath the walls

• Climbing over barriers

• Pushing against fencing

• Gaps at corners

• Predators

• Other household animals

• Wild animals

• Weather

• Standing water

The enclosure should be checked regularly for damage or new escape routes.

Outdoor Tortoise Tables Need Shade

An outdoor tortoise enclosure should never be designed so the tortoise is forced to remain in direct sunlight with no way to escape the heat.

Provide shaded areas and shelters.

The tortoise should be able to choose between warmer and cooler areas.

Natural vegetation, purpose-built shelters, and appropriately constructed shade structures can all contribute to a better outdoor habitat.

Don't Forget Rain and Drainage

Outdoor enclosures also need to deal with weather.

A poorly positioned tortoise table can turn into a muddy, waterlogged habitat after heavy rain.

When designing an outdoor enclosure, think about:

• Drainage

• Elevation

• Roof coverage

• Mud

• Standing water

• Soil conditions

• Storms

• Temperature changes

A sheltered dry area can give your tortoise somewhere to retreat during bad weather.

Predator Protection Is Essential

One of the biggest differences between indoor and outdoor tortoise housing is predator protection.

Young tortoises in particular can be vulnerable to animals that might not be able to harm a large adult tortoise.

Depending on your area, potential threats may include:

• Dogs

• Raccoons

• Birds of prey

• Opossums

• Rodents

• Other wildlife

An outdoor tortoise enclosure should be built with the potential predators in your area in mind.

A simple open-top fence may not provide adequate protection.

Converting a Chicken Coop Into a Tortoise Enclosure

One of my favorite ways to create an outdoor tortoise enclosure is to repurpose an existing chicken coop.

Chicken coops can provide a useful starting point because many already have:

• Solid walls

• Doors

• Roofs

• Predator-resistant construction

• Attached runs

• Ventilation

• Sheltered areas

With some modifications, a chicken coop can become a very useful tortoise habitat.

However, don't simply put a tortoise inside an unmodified chicken coop.

The structure needs to be evaluated and adapted to meet the needs of the tortoise.

Step 1: Remove Anything Unsafe

Inspect the entire coop.

Remove or modify anything that could injure your tortoise.

Pay particular attention to:

• Exposed nails

• Sharp wire

• Splintered wood

• Small openings

• Loose hardware

• Toxic materials

• Unstable shelves

• Chicken feeders

• Chicken waterers

Tortoises explore their environment with their mouths as well as their feet, so anything accessible should be considered carefully.

Step 2: Check the Floor

Chicken coops are often designed around chickens, not reptiles.

You may need to modify the floor to make it suitable for a tortoise.

Depending on the design, this might involve creating a more appropriate substrate area or adding a protective liner.

The floor should also be easy to clean and should not allow the tortoise to escape underneath the walls.

Step 3: Modify the Chicken Run

If the coop has an attached run, this can potentially become the tortoise's outdoor exercise and grazing area.

Inspect the fencing carefully.

Make sure the tortoise cannot:

• Push through it

• Climb it

• Dig underneath it

• Get its head or legs trapped

Small tortoises may require much smaller openings than chickens would.

Step 4: Add a Secure Top

A chicken run that is safe for chickens isn't necessarily safe for tortoises.

Predator protection should be a major consideration.

Adding a secure top or predator-resistant covering can help protect smaller tortoises from animals that could enter from above.

Converting a Dog Kennel Into a Tortoise Enclosure

Another excellent option for an outdoor tortoise habitat is a large dog kennel.

Dog kennels can provide a sturdy framework that can be modified for reptile use.

They are particularly interesting for keepers who already have an unused kennel available.

However, the open metal bars typically found on dog kennels may not be suitable by themselves.

A tortoise could potentially see through the fencing and become tempted to repeatedly push against the walls.

More importantly, the openings may allow escape or expose the tortoise to predators.

Adding Solid Walls to a Dog Kennel

One solution is to add solid panels around some or all of the lower portions of the kennel.

This can provide several benefits:

• Helps prevent escapes

• Provides privacy

• Reduces visual stimulation

• Makes the enclosure easier to customize

• Creates a more secure boundary

Make sure any materials added are weather-resistant and safely secured.

Adding a Shelter to a Converted Dog Kennel

A dog kennel can provide a large outdoor exercise area, but your tortoise still needs an appropriate shelter.

You can add a separate tortoise house inside the kennel where the animal can retreat from:

• Direct sun

• Rain

• Wind

• Cold temperatures

• Excessive heat

The shelter should be appropriately sized for the species.

Create a Natural Outdoor Habitat

One of the biggest advantages of converting a chicken coop or dog kennel is that you can create a much more natural environment than a simple indoor enclosure.

Consider incorporating safe areas for:

Grazing

Depending on the species and plants available, a tortoise may spend a significant amount of time grazing.

Digging

Many tortoises enjoy digging and burrowing.

Exploring

Use safe environmental features to create different areas within the enclosure.

Hiding

Provide multiple secure places for the tortoise to retreat.

Walking

Give the tortoise enough space to move naturally rather than filling the enclosure with so many decorations that little floor space remains.

Be Careful With Plants

Adding live plants can make an outdoor tortoise enclosure look fantastic.

However, not every plant is safe for tortoises.

Before planting anything inside the enclosure, identify the plant and verify that it is appropriate for your particular tortoise species.

Avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals that could be harmful.

A beautiful plant isn't worth the risk if you don't know whether your tortoise can safely eat it.

Tortoise Tables Can Grow With Your Tortoise

One of the best features of a well-designed tortoise table is flexibility.

You can start with a manageable enclosure and expand it as your tortoise grows.

For example, you could design a modular table where additional sections can be added later.

This can be especially helpful for species such as Sulcatas that grow considerably larger than they are as hatchlings.

Instead of completely rebuilding the habitat every time the tortoise grows, an expandable enclosure gives you more flexibility.

Indoor and Outdoor Tortoise Tables Can Work Together

You don't necessarily have to choose between an indoor and outdoor enclosure.

For many tortoise keepers, having both can be an excellent approach.

An indoor enclosure can provide a controlled environment when weather conditions aren't suitable.

An outdoor enclosure can provide opportunities for natural sunlight and outdoor enrichment when conditions are appropriate.

This can give you flexibility throughout the year.

For example:

Indoor tortoise table:
Controlled temperatures, UVB lighting, easy monitoring, and protection from extreme weather.

Outdoor tortoise enclosure:
Natural sunlight, fresh air, larger walking areas, grazing, and environmental enrichment.

The two setups can complement one another.

Common Tortoise Table Mistakes to Avoid

Even a large enclosure can be poorly designed.

Here are some mistakes worth avoiding.

1. Making the enclosure too small

A tortoise needs room to move.

Don't choose the smallest enclosure simply because it is easier to fit into your home.

2. Ignoring temperature gradients

Don't heat the entire enclosure identically.

Provide appropriate warmer and cooler areas based on your species' requirements.

3. Forgetting UVB

Indoor tortoises generally need an appropriate source of UVB based on their species and setup.

4. Using unsafe substrate

Research the appropriate substrate for your specific species.

5. No hiding places

An enclosure without retreats can leave a tortoise with nowhere to get away from the open area.

6. Unsafe heating equipment

Heat sources can create fire and burn hazards if installed incorrectly.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and keep electrical equipment away from water.

7. Not securing outdoor enclosures

A tortoise enclosure should be designed to prevent both escape and predator access.

8. Forgetting how quickly tortoises grow

A hatchling-sized habitat may not remain appropriate for very long.

Plan for the future.

Tortoise Table Accessories Worth Considering

Once you have the basic enclosure, there are several products that can make maintaining the habitat easier.

Depending on your setup, you may want to consider:

• Reptile UVB fixtures

• UVB bulbs

• Basking lamps

• Ceramic heat emitters

• Thermostats

• Digital thermometers

• Infrared temperature guns

• Reptile water dishes

• Feeding dishes

• Tortoise hides

• Safe substrate

• Humidity gauges when appropriate

• Outdoor fencing

• Predator-resistant hardware

• Waterproof liners

• Timers

• Heat lamp fixtures

• Outdoor shelters

These are also great areas to look for quality products when building a tortoise-care product guide or shopping list.

Final Thoughts on Tortoise Tables

A tortoise table can be one of the most versatile housing options for tortoise keepers.

Whether you're raising a tiny hatchling, keeping a smaller adult species, or creating a large habitat for an actively growing tortoise, the biggest advantage is the ability to customize the environment around the animal's needs.

Indoor tortoise tables provide a practical way to control lighting, heating, substrate, and temperature.

Outdoor tortoise tables can provide natural sunlight, fresh air, grazing opportunities, and considerably more room for exercise and exploration.

And if you're looking for an affordable way to create a large outdoor enclosure, don't overlook structures you may already have. An unused chicken coop or large dog kennel can potentially be transformed into a fantastic tortoise habitat with the right modifications.

The most important thing isn't whether your enclosure came from a pet store, a lumber pile, a chicken coop, or a dog kennel.

What matters is that it provides your tortoise with adequate space, appropriate temperatures, proper lighting when indoors, safe shelter, suitable substrate, fresh water, enrichment, and protection from escapes, predators, and environmental hazards.

Build the enclosure around the needs of the tortoise, and you'll have a much better foundation for keeping these amazing animals for many years to come.

Ready to Build or Upgrade Your Tortoise Enclosure?

If you're putting together a tortoise table or converting an existing chicken coop or dog kennel into an outdoor enclosure, having the right equipment can make the project much easier.

Check out my recommended tortoise enclosure supplies, heating and lighting equipment, hides, feeding supplies, water dishes, and other tortoise-care products to find ideas for your next setup.