dog kennel enclosure

[cueboy007]

I'm going to get this 12'x6'x5' dog kennel as my outdoor enclosure.
It doesn't have a top, I'll have to put another fence on top or use metal mesh, hopefully it will be predator proof(hawks, raccoons etc)

Thoughts?

 

[Momof4]

I don't know what kind of tortoise you have but I know others use them with great success. What a fun project.

 

[ascott]

I have two kennels I set up 10x10x6 when I first took on two CDTs from my prior boss....they have worked well for me and them....I do not have a top on them but here the biggest annoyance to them are the stupid gophers popping in on them from time to time.....they are adult so something flying off with them is not too likely and we are surrounded by dogs so raccoons have not been an issue....but I keep an eye out and if I feel like a topper will be needed it will be added.....

I will likely do some adjustments for next season and configure the kennel panels with some of my other fencing to enlarge their yards as I am no longer keeping them on temporary basis and they are adult so more permanent larger space is due....

They are great because if you want to add space you can just start the initial set up and as tortoise size increases you can sink a couple more posts and add additional panels....

 

[MatrixDJ]

That is a fantastic idea!!!

 

[Yvonne G]

You can always mount it using your existing yard fence as one wall, that way you can use the extra kennel wall as a roof.

The only suggestion I would make is to buy some redwood 1x12's and line the inside at the bottom so the tortoise can't see out or try to climb the wire.

 

[Tony the tank]

I have a 20x10 I use up North for the Torts....I setup 2x4 across the top and hung 5 heat lamps down the middle... The sides I used (3) 1x12 (36") block some breeze and was a good sight barrier....the top I built 2x4 roof rafters and dropped a tarp over it... works great..

Next yr I'm going to install an electrical fence... So I won't have to lock them up at night

 

[Lulu]

I use one for my russians with boards lining the bottom and buried beneath. My husband is making a top for it now as we've seen some evidence of a raccoon in our yard and we've had trouble with predators before. So far, it seems to be working pretty well, and I plan to erect kennels for any new acquisitions.

The time stamp isn't accurate. The above was taken about a week ago.

 

[african cake queen]

i like it. wish i had one for summer. good luck with it.

 

[lynnedit]

Lulu, nice enclosure!
Dog kennels do make nice walk in secure enclosures.

 

[Lulu]

Thanks. Nature helped out a lot with a burst of mallow in that back area while it was closed off with a cinder block brick. I planted the decorative grasses (the tall ones) and the agave, but the rest is nature (mallow and purslane), and some seeding before a rain (mesclun, mustard, and clover). I'm very pleased with it and I enjoy the piece of mind it gives me. Also, can you believe that was an 80 degree day in November? I was inspired by those here that have used kennels or enclosed enclosures before me.

 

[lynnedit]

I have a 20x10 I use up North for the Torts....I setup 2x4 across the top and hung 5 heat lamps down the middle... The sides I used (3) 1x12 (36") block some breeze and was a good sight barrier....the top I built 2x4 roof rafters and dropped a tarp over it... works great..

Next yr I'm going to install an electrical fence... So I won't have to lock them up at night

Nice. What kind of heat lamps do you use?

 

[Tony the tank]

I have a 20x10 I use up North for the Torts....I setup 2x4 across the top and hung 5 heat lamps down the middle... The sides I used (3) 1x12 (36") block some breeze and was a good sight barrier....the top I built 2x4 roof rafters and dropped a tarp over it... works great..

Next yr I'm going to install an electrical fence... So I won't have to lock them up at night

Nice. What kind of heat lamps do you use?

I use 250 watt( clear )infarred heat bulbs ($4 at tractor supply) .and 300 watt ceramic brooder fixtures also sold at tractor supply ($9 )..I used lite chain to Hang fixtures from 2x4 laid across the top of the enclosure...

 

[Lulu]

Hector, do you have any pictures? That russian in the photo and the others in her group came from a more temperate climate and I'm thinking they may not know enough to go down for the winter. If they don't, I would like to rig up some heating in the enclosure. I may just put something in the "barn," but I'm also considering a separate heated area.

 

[Tony the tank]

Lulu.. Sorry no pics..my place up north is closed up for the winter...But I was up there until a month ago... And temps dropped into The low 40 and the thermometer I had taped on Tonys back stayed at around 74*f while he was walking around in there...( when he laid under a light it shot up to 106*F)

If I was going to use it for a winter enclosure I would either go higher with the boards on the side or use tarp material to cut down on the wind/draft from wicking away the heat..

 

[lynnedit]

Hector, do you have any pictures? That russian in the photo and the others in her group came from a more temperate climate and I'm thinking they may not know enough to go down for the winter. If they don't, I would like to rig up some heating in the enclosure. I may just put something in the "barn," but I'm also considering a separate heated area.

If you really wanted to get serious, I wonder if, in the winter, you could cover the top and sides with a sturdy clear plastic, with an insulating layer underneath the tarp. Reflectix insulation on the roof? Greenhouse bubble wrap or polycarbonate sheets on the sides? Removed in the warmer months?
I suppose at that point you may as well have a shed, lol. Depends on how cold, for how long, it gets in your area...
A winter enclosure in your barn might make more sense.

 

[Lulu]

It doesn't get very cold. By "barn" I meant their little tortoise barn that is their hide within the enclosure. I'm thinking of putting together a second small tortoise barn with a heating unit.

 

[Yvonne G]

Let's don't forget that this is Cueboy007's thread.

Take a look at post #11 in this thread. Its a picture of a dog kennel in use by Candy:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Anybody-use-a-dog-kennel-as-an-outdoor-enclosure#axzz1fV6GRBYn

 

[ascott]

Dog kennels rock solid doubling as a tortoise yard....