5 DIY Tortoise Hide Ideas That Don’t Cost a Fortune
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If you’ve been hunting for a good tortoise hide without spending much, you’re not alone. I found some brilliant low-cost DIY hideouts made by other tortoise keepers, and they’re surprisingly easy to copy. These five ideas are worth checking out.
👉 Want a custom enclosure plan for your tortoise? Try our free planning tool here!
5 DIY Tortoise Hide Ideas
1. Log Tunnel Hide
This one uses a thick half log to make a cozy tunnel. It’s simple, natural-looking, and perfect for smaller tortoises.
How it’s made:
- Take a section of a thick log and cut it in half lengthwise.
- Hollow it slightly if needed.
- Place it on top of soft substrate like coconut fiber.
- That’s it. The tortoise can crawl inside or even climb on top.
Why it works:
It’s breathable, blends well with natural setups, and gives the tortoise a cool shady spot to retreat into.
2. Box Hide with Grass Roof
This is a clean and modern DIY hide made with a wooden box and some fake grass or turf on top.
How it’s made:
- Use wood panels to make a small rectangular box with one side left open as the door.
- Add a bit of turf or grass mat on the top to make it look natural and help keep warmth in.
- Place it in a corner of the enclosure, possibly with a heat lamp nearby.
Why it works:
It’s sturdy, easy to build, and looks nice in an indoor setup. Plus, the flat top doubles as a basking area.
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3. Storage Bin Hide
This idea turns a basic plastic bin into a hide. Super cheap, surprisingly effective.
How it’s made:
- Take a small plastic storage container.
- Cut out a small entrance on one side (use a heated knife or strong scissors).
- Sand the edges so they’re smooth.
- Flip it upside down and place it under a ramp, platform, or in a quiet corner.
Why it works:
It gives the tortoise a dark, private spot to cool down. The plastic keeps warmth in better than open hides.
Perfect Wooden Tortoise House For Outdoor & Indoor!
This tortoise house isn’t cheap — but that’s because it’s not your average wooden box.
Built with durable wood, a waterproof liner, and smart design features like a sunbathing area and a hideout zone, the Aivituvin Large Wooden Habitat is made to last.
It’s perfect for tortoises or box turtles, indoors or out. And yep, it even has detachable legs.
If you’re serious about giving your tortoise a safe, comfy home without building one from scratch, this is the one.
👉 Grab the Aivituvin Tortoise House here — it’s currently $10 off.
4. Cardboard Box Hide
Sometimes, the easiest option is also the most effective. A simple cardboard box can give your tortoise the dark, quiet hide it craves.
How it’s made:
- Take any medium-sized cardboard box.
- Cut out a door big enough for your tortoise to go through.
- Flip it upside down and place it in a dry part of the enclosure.
- Make sure it’s not in a damp area or near water bowls, or it’ll soften quickly.
Why it works:
It’s free, takes two minutes to set up, and most tortoises actually use it. Great for indoor setups or as a temporary hide.
5. Cinder Block & Tile Hide
This one’s built to last. It’s perfect for outdoor enclosures and looks pretty tidy too.
How it’s made:
- Place two cinder blocks on the ground, leaving space between them as an entrance.
- Cover the top with tiles, pavers, or slate pieces.
- You can even add a flat rock on top to hold heat or keep it stable.
Why it works:
It’s strong, weather-resistant, and keeps things cool inside. Plus, the top can double as a basking spot when placed in the sun.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.
