Heartbreaking story wants me to fix it right now.....

[Gooch]

Hello guys, I just saw a post on Facebook saying that their russian tortoise got attacked by his cat because it jumped into his open topped table. As some of you may know, I just built a new tortoise table, and now I really want to buy or make some screen tops for it. I have 2 screen lids that will fit a 20 gallon aquarium, and they cover up like a third of the table. Do you guys have any ideas on makeshift lids for my tortoise table They cant be airtight because my table still needs to air out. Thanks!!!

 

[Yvonne G]

Just remember, the screen filters out most of the UVB rays, so you'll have to cut light-size holes in it. Another little note of advice - cats really love, LOVE laying on the screen, causing it to eventually sag and fall in. Maybe a small board across from side to side in a couple different spots.

 

[Markw84]

If you use 1/2" hardware cloth as the screen you can put the light on top. It will not filter out UVB as probably 95-98% will pass right through the 1/2" mesh. It is very strong and will definitely protect against a cat. Build a frame for it and, as Yvonne suggests, put a couple braces running across.

 

[Gooch]

Thanks for the advice guys. @Yvonne G The screens that I used are metal, so they won't sag as much. And yes, i have caught my cat just chilling on the screens staring at my tortoise @Markw84 I think I have some of that hardware cloth. Will i have to put some more water based polyurethane on the 2 pieces of 2x4 on each side of the enclosure that will hold up the screen? I am kinda sick and tired of sealing everything xD

 

[Gooch]

Never mind, I just spent 5 minutes making a screen top that works perfectly!

 

[Markw84]

Thanks for the advice guys. @Yvonne G The screens that I used are metal, so they won't sag as much. And yes, i have caught my cat just chilling on the screens staring at my tortoise @Markw84 I think I have some of that hardware cloth. Will i have to put some more water based polyurethane on the 2 pieces of 2x4 on each side of the enclosure that will hold up the screen? I am kinda sick and tired of sealing everything xD

You wouldn't need to seal the frame for the screen except for esthetics, since it is an indoor enclosure.