Remove the bottom of the mock burrow. Cut an opening in one of the short sides for the tortoise to exit if it wishes. Place this box inside a large box with high sides and enough bottom area to allow the tortoise to move out of the mock burrow into the large box if the tortoise becomes restless. For adults and subadults, place several sections of newspaper on the floor of the larger box. Avoid towels or other cloth in which tortoises can become entangled.
Small tortoise have long nails that are easily caught in cloth.
Avoid shredded paper and stiff-stemmed straw. The larger box should have a lid that closes loosely to allow some air exchange. Place a thermometer on the floor of the larger box. Place it on the floor where it is convenient for you to check the tortoise and temperature occasionally and hear any restlessness. In the desert, wild hatchlings hibernate the first winter.