Tortoise Adoptin Program

Appendix IV: Burrow Options

Care, Husbandry and Diet of the Desert Tortoise

Using a trash can to construct a tortoise burrow:

  1. Cut trash can Using a 15-20 gallon metal trash can (plastic cans will collapse under the weight of the dirt), cut in half using a Sawsall, grinder or similar tool. The bottom, which can form the back of the den, can be either left intact or removed.
  2. Trash can laid out on ground The half trash can should be set on ground level or slightly dug in (Be careful not to create a hole/depression that will fill with water).
  3. Rocks arranged around burrow Before adding soil, rocks can be placed around the outside of the can to help reduce erosion.
  4. Dirt on top of burrow 6-8" of dirt should be placed over the can to provide good insulation against extreme temperatures. The dirt will settle and should be checked several times during the first season to make sure the burrow is well protected.
  5. Burrow underneath tree The trash can burrow can be very pleasing aesthetically and can be easily integrated into a natural landscape setting.

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Tortoise Adoption Program Frequently Asked Questions Tortoise Natural History Tortoise Care & Husbandry
Diet and Nutrition Cold Weather Care Warm Weather Care Disease and Injury Tortoise Reproduction Raising hatchlings Appendix I: Habitat Checklist Appendix II: Artificial Lighting Appendix III: Tortoise Diet Appendix IV: Burrow Options Authors