Wendal's setup when I first brought him home consisted of a rubbermaid container 24"L X 17"W X 12"H in size.(Updated June 2003 to 40"L X 25"W X 12"H and in the process of updating again and also building an outdoor pen for the summer) For substrate I used one block (2 blocks now) of Eco-earth compresses coconut fibre which gave about 3" in depth for him to dig into. I replace the substrate every 1 1/2 months or so, but I also do daily cleanups. (Remove uneaten food, feces, etc)
For light I placed a full spectrum UVA/UVB fluorescent fixture (important for synthesis of vitamin D3) 28" in length along the back of the container. Light and heat are also provided by either a 60 or 100 watt (depending on the time of the year) broad spectrum daylight bulb for basking which I have set up in the front right corner of the pen and is left on 10-14 hours a day. I have the left side of the pen (the cooler side) around 75F and the right side (warmer side) around 90F. It's important that tortoises can thermoregulate to control their own body temperature
by moving around to different parts of their pen. Note: Having temperature and humidity gauges on either side of your pen is a very good idea.
In the back left corner of the pen I have placed a mound of sphagnum moss, back right corner a water dish with 1/2 " of water to prevent drowning, and in the front left corner a food dish. To keep humidity levels up in the pen I lightly mist the substrate, moss, inside hide log, and outer walls a few times a day, aswell as providing clean fresh water at all times so Wendal can drink and soak as his leisure. Wendal also received a daily soak for the first one to one and half years before his meal but now receives one every second to third day. Humidity in the pen is usually around 75%, having plants (non toxic) in your pen will also help you keep humidity levels higher.
Providing a hide spot or area for your tortoise is very important to make them feel secure and comfortable in their pen. I have a plastic log in my pen which Wendal loves to hide and sleep in at night but he also likes to hide in the pile of sphagnum moss from time to time. I bought a plastic log as it is easy to keep clean and it does'nt rot away like wooden logs.
Wendal is feed a mixture of two to three greens and usually one to two different fruits at each meal.For the first one and half years I feed Wendal daily but now I feed him every second day. His favorite fruits include papaya, mango,melons,pears,grapes and strawberries and as treat from time to time. Once a week I add a pinch of calcium with vitamin D3 (phosphorus free) to his meal and every two to three weeks a small amount of moistened dry cat food. I know there are different options on whether to feed protein or not but I will leave that
up to you. Note: Try to feed your tortoise a high calcium to phosphorous ratio and remember not to overfeed as it can lead to health problems. You want a slow, smooth and steady growth.
*(Length)
www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/measuring.htm