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I have a very larg pen in my back yard for my tortoises. I've planted it as much as I could and allow lots of weeds to grow. On one end of the pen I originally built up a mound using rock and dirt and planted that in order to break up the view across the pen. This summer very tall grasses and weeds have taken over that mound and surrounding area. Well.....while cleaning the pen and washing out soak tubs and all I find this HUGE, DEEP HOLE that goes completely beneath the mound. Obviously, the two 2-year old Sulcata's have decided that they prefer their tunnel to my accomodations. I'm not sure that I can see the end of this thing. I am in a sub-division and thinking this is a big no-no. These torts are only two years old and are absolutely huge. They are waaaay over a foot long. I'm thinking they must be females to grow so quickly. Any advice how I can offer them a cool home without air conditioning? Good grief.

Try dog houses?
We built our sulcata a cinder block house outside but when we first got her we were told if we don't have enough hiding places, she'll dig. So for "hide boxes" we bought 2 different sized wooden dog houses that she likes to use sometimes during the hottest part of the day. We bought one off of a trailer after following a man for 15 miles who had a trailer loaded with dog houses he'd built himself. Found out he was on his way to a flea market to sell them, we got a really good deal on it. The 2nd one we bought at a garage sale for just 5 bucks. So my point on that is, look around for bargains like that because you can always disinfect a used one.

So far so good, she has not dug any holes any where in the yard in the 3 years we've had her. She's up to 50lbs now, so thank goodness she's not trying to dig.
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PHRatz

African Spurred Tortoises will only burrow down one way (i.e., they won't come up somwhere outside of your pen). Digging is a natural act for your tortoises, not only does this allow them to provide themselves with an access to comfortable temps and humidity, but its also good for their mental well being! Allowing the Tortoises to dig is environmental enrichment and it will keep them happy and healthy.
Unfortunately, I live on Cape-Cod in Massachusetts, so I have to bring mine in come the fall. Through the summer though, my Spurred tortoises dig down anywhere from 18 to 22 feet. Right now the current burrow is 18 feet and it extends out beyond the fence that contains them.
I found that the females are usually more likely to dig a burrow and the males try to share the finished product. I do have one forty pound male that loves to dig a deep burrow too though.
Okay, bye! Leo www.skinandscales.net
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Very interesting. And, yes, I will leave the burrow. However, I am in Louisiana and that burrow can fill with water without a lot of notice. We get lots of rain here. I'm concerned about possible drowning of these guys. Do you think they will exit if the water begins to arrive in their burrow?.....And I guess I am concerned that another may get down there and not be able to get out again. Worried mom here. Thanks.

I wouldn't be too concerned, especially about them getting down there and not being able to get out again. They happen to dig the lower end of the burrow nice and wide, lots of room to turn around.
As far as the rain goes, I can see where you would be concerned. All I can say is that if there isn't a risk of a flash flood where they are at, then it shouldn't be a problem. In North Africa where they are from naturally, they may see severe rain deludges and instant flooding, but still the tortoises fair well.
The other person that posted, mantioned using a dog house and I know the tortoises will readily use them if they are present. I personally like things to look nice and natural, but do what will make you feel most at ease ~ or leave the burrow and add another shelter and let the Tortoises have the option!
My girlfriend grew up in Louisiana, Baton Rouge I think~
Thanks, Leo
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Thanks, again, Leo,
I did take notice that the borrow is at the "mound site" which is built up already. That's pretty smart if you ask me. It makes the opening to the borrow already a few inches above the rest of the pen. AND where they have escavated there is also a mound of dirt (dam)so may also keep standing water from flowing down. I have a brick building that has a doggie-type door that the tortoises use and is heated in the winter. But it's not air conditioned. I am in Lafayette and July and August are quite uncomfortable and that little building is hot. I have my eyes on that tunnel. I find this all quite fascinating....and a little scarey at the same time.

I agree that you should leave the burrow, however, you may want to fortify the berm a little just to make sure a heavy wash doesn't find it's way in. I little cover can also help with direct rain, but if it's pretty deep and the soil drains ok, anything that falls directly in should soak in without pooling. It's true that they do fine most of the time in the wild, but not only are conditions different where you are at, but many animals do trap themselves in creek side burrows etc. A little prevention could go a long way in assuring their saftey.... In the long run, they will be happier and healthier with the burrow in place.

Tim