Why are tortoise enclosures low to the ground?

Question

i am getting a 12 inch long sulcata that is 5 lbs. this tuesday. i need to think about an enclosure for it. i have a fenced enclosure that is 6 feet wide, 11 feet long, and 6 feet tall. can i use that or do i have to make an enclosure that is low to the ground and why would i have to?

Answer 1

you can use the enclosure you have as long as the tortoise can not dig under neath the fence, usually for tortoises it is best to dig down a foot or so and reinforce the ground so they can't dig out, you also need to make sure there is nothing the tortoise can climb on as tortoises are excellent climbers, usually the enclosures need to be fenced about 3ft off the ground, you can't use wire as a tortoise can not see wire and will try to walk through, we have a boarding about a foot off the ground so the tortoise can see the fence, people tend to build enclosures low to the ground so it gives easy access, ,  here is a site which will show you how to do an outdoor enclosure that is suitable for a sulcata

Answer 2

This is fine, don't make it low to the ground  or else he will try to get out.

Answer 3

Low tortoise tables are easier to reach across and clean or maintain.

Sulcatas are best kept outside, and a 12" (measuring the shell or plastron in a straight line) tortoise can easily be kept out there in a strong fenced area.