GingerRaph
New Member
Long story, but we recently took on an 8yo cherry head named Raph. Pretty sure he's lived most of his life in a small aquarium (less than 2x4). We have had him for about a week and it didn't take me long to realize he's been in too small of an enclosure for so long! We live on a half acre with lots of trees/plants/shade etc. but for the time being I am focused on getting an outdoor space for him as quickly as possible and wanted some ideas based. The area I was thinking of is just a 2 1/2' x 20'ish strip of barked area. Used to be a planter of some sort. I was thinking of making some sides with some used cedar fencing I have laying around and then planting some shade plants at either end (hostas maybe)? Also would like to build a shade of some sort out of fence boards to get some deep shade at either end? Do I need to pull up the landscaping fabric under the bark so he doesn't dig into it? I was thinking of scraping the top 2-3" inches of dirt and bark and throwing down organic top soil instead? His back legs don't work right (he has a wheel glued to his shell) so mobility over terrain might be tough for him for now. I am hoping that this enclosure will all him to regain strength in his back legs via excercise and vitamin D.
If I have enough shady spots will he just find the shade when he gets hot? I plan on bringing him in at night but would like to be able to leave him out there most of the day. The issue is it does get hot in our area these days. 97 this weekend apparently!
Like I said, there are probably better areas in our yard for him but I need to get something setup quick to get him out of that aquarium!!!!
If I have enough shady spots will he just find the shade when he gets hot? I plan on bringing him in at night but would like to be able to leave him out there most of the day. The issue is it does get hot in our area these days. 97 this weekend apparently!
Like I said, there are probably better areas in our yard for him but I need to get something setup quick to get him out of that aquarium!!!!