Outdoor enclosure complete!

[KaylaSmith]

Can't wait to get its new inhabitants! Still debating on a lid.. We live in town and have a fenced in yard. Only critters ever in the yard are squirrels and birds here! So thinking we could get by without one. Still going to add a few more plants & a little "house" will go in the corner when it's done getting built!

 

[KaylaSmith]

Photos of the process

 

[bouaboua]

WOW! ! !

This looks very nice. I love the two lamp you installed on the post. About the lids, I will for sure put on a steel wire type of lid, Just in case.

 

[wellington]

Looks nice. One suggestion. It may already by, but I would lower the water dish to ground level, if it's not

 

[KaylaSmith]

Looks nice. One suggestion. It may already by, but I would lower the water dish to ground level, if it's not

Right now it is kind of up on top of the rocks a little bit, thanks for the suggestion! I wasn't really sure I just had heard from here and other sources to put rocks all around it to help keep their claws in good condition by climbing over them to it. My husband wanted to dig it into the dirt a little bit but I thought with me picking it up to change out all the time that could be more hassle hehe.

 

[wellington]

It is a little more of a hassle. But if you sink it and turn it back and forth to make an indentation of the bottom and then press in the stones some, it should be easier. The dirt will keep its shape better of the water bowl and the stones being pressed down should stay put better.
But, don't tell hubby he was right, just say you changed your mind can't let hubby think he knew better

 

[mark1]

looks great also ,i'd try to figure out an aesthetic lid that looked as good as the enclosure ..adult box turtles are pretty safe from getting killed, even by raccoons ...... but I have had raccoons take them out the enclosure and leave them in the yard ,and they don't last but a minute with my dogs , big dogs don't just chew on them ,they eat them .......

 

[Berkeley]

I too, would consider adding a lid. Just because you haven't seen any possums and raccoons doesn't mean they aren't there. They are nocturnal, so they come out at night. Fences don't do much for them. I have kept both species in captivity and they are remarkably agile critters. And those are the fat, lazy ones!

The enclosure looks good. I'd also consider throwing in some leaf litter too, right on top of the soil. It allows them to burrow in and do some thermoregulating without exposing themselves. (also keeps the soil from turning to soup when it rains or you run the sprinkler)

--Berkeley

 

[Maro2Bear]

I'd suggest a simple 2x4x8 foot frame with chickenwire stapled to this frame. You can then simply keep the frame on at night, or when you are not around. During the safe hours, simply lift off and set aside. Looks nice, and i would agree with adding some leaf litter to let your boxies bury in and hide.