10x10 Dog Kennel?

[klawran1]

Over the years I've seen a couple of pictures from people who converted dog kennels into tortoise pens. As of late, has anyone else tried this? I just bought my first house and priority #1 is to get my tortoises outside. I like the idea of the kennel because I can put a top on it and won't have to get on my knees to tend to my babies. That and I can plant taller things for shade than I could in something built low to the ground. I have a Russian who will be calling this 10x10 pen home, if I decide to go that route. Any recent pictures or experiences, both good and bad? Other pictures/suggestions? All advice and pictures are welcome! Thank you!

 

[Yvonne G]

Scroll down to Lulu's post:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/dog-kennel-enclosure.37183/

 

[Yvonne G]

Scroll down to post #11, Candy's post, for another picture:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/anybody-use-a-dog-kennel-as-an-outdoor-enclosure.26170/

 

[Rue]

I am looking at dog kennels too, for the same reasons you are. I want to be able to stand up in it to look after things.

I'm worried about the link size though. We have weasels (in addition to skunks, foxes and the odd raccoon). So if I have to worry about one predator - I still have to worry.

It would be faster, easier (and the way we do things...cheaper...lol) to use a kennel, but I might have to resort to welded wire. I would also love to attach a small greenhouse. I'm looking at all kinds of easy (but cute) DIY projects that might work. If I attach a greenhouse, it might be easier in the long run to just make it out of wooden posts and the welded wire too.

 

[ascott]

Scroll down to post #11, Candy's post, for another picture:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/anybody-use-a-dog-kennel-as-an-outdoor-enclosure.26170/

Yvonne, that is the thread I was trying to remember....there is the thread on here for using cinder blocks ...the thread that recently got a little testy this is the enclosure I was trying to refer the member to....

 

[klawran1]

I have seen the pic Candy posted. That's pretty much what I was going for. My concern is I buy the kennel, I buy the boards to cover the bottom, I buy the wire to cover the top, and then like Rue said, I may need to get smaller wire in case of weasels and smaller animals. By this point, would it be cheaper just to buy to wood and wire, dig it down, then put a top on it?

 

[Tom]

I have seen the pic Candy posted. That's pretty much what I was going for. My concern is I buy the kennel, I buy the boards to cover the bottom, I buy the wire to cover the top, and then like Rue said, I may need to get smaller wire in case of weasels and smaller animals. By this point, would it be cheaper just to buy to wood and wire, dig it down, then put a top on it?

There is the dilemma…

You'll need to source all that stuff and then crunch the numbers to do it both ways. Then compare those number to how much time it will take to build each, what tools you already have, and how handy you are with those tools.

Either way can work.

 

[klawran1]

I think I'm going to build. I have found a volunteer to dig for me (just had surgery so I will not be able to). I think over all I will like the low to the ground enclosure and I feel that it will be more secure.

 

[Tom]

I think I'm going to build. I have found a volunteer to dig for me (just had surgery so I will not be able to). I think over all I will like the low to the ground enclosure and I feel that it will be more secure.

I sunk my 1x2" welded wire 18" into the ground for my russians.

See it here: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/

 

[Rue]

I think we are going to build too...

A friend suggested we could put welded wire over the chain link of a dog run...and I'm thinking why? Added work and money...may as well just buy wooden posts like we did for the chicken coop run. I'll just have to put a roof on it this time.

Plus I'm seriously toying with the idea of adding a small greenhouse to one end. I'd actually like to try a DIY project out of old windows. If we do that it (size won't end up being standard) it will be easier to make the enclosure 'fit' if we build it from scratch.

 

[klawran1]

I sunk my 1x2" welded wire 18" into the ground for my russians.

See it here: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/

I love it! For the box, would it be a flooded mess for someone who lives in areas where it rains heavily from time to time? I want to do something for my little cave monster, but don't want him to drown.

 

[klawran1]

I think we are going to build too...

A friend suggested we could put welded wire over the chain link of a dog run...and I'm thinking why? Added work and money...may as well just buy wooden posts like we did for the chicken coop run. I'll just have to put a roof on it this time..

That's what I was thinking.

 

[Tom]

I love it! For the box, would it be a flooded mess for someone who lives in areas where it rains heavily from time to time? I want to do something for my little cave monster, but don't want him to drown.

It could be. I build mine on the high side of hills and point the entrances downhill so they can't flood. But anything is possible depending on the amount of water we are talking about and how well it can drain.

 

[Rue]

Could you build a box with an outside ramp that leads up into the box...and then in the box itself, have a slight ramp going back down (so they think they're burrowing)? With soil or something to dig in - at the bottom.

Shouldn't be too hard to do...wish I could draw a quick sketch to show you what I mean.

That way it would all be above ground, so it couldn't flood.

 

[klawran1]

Could you build a box with an outside ramp that leads up into the box...and then in the box itself, have a slight ramp going back down (so they think they're burrowing)? With soil or something to dig in - at the bottom.

Shouldn't be too hard to do...wish I could draw a quick sketch to show you what I mean.

That way it would all be above ground, so it couldn't flood.

I could easily build that, but I think my stubborn Russian would just burrow under it rather than bothering to use it.

 

[Rue]

LOL...well...it was just a thought.

Water wings also came to mind...or a snorkel...

 

[klawran1]

Haha. I would love to see some water wings on him. I can imagine he'd be pretty mad, but I'd love the photo opp.