Outdoor enclosure

[Bohr]

I want to build an outdoor pen for my 2.5-year-old sulcata tortoise, which weighs about 30 pounds. I have 45 acres of land with several potential locations in mind. Keep in mind both will be temporary as I intend to expand the living space to many acres as he grows.

1. Location One:
This spot is 50-100 feet behind my house. It features a large cement pipe tunnel that could be modified with a door to create a safe night enclosure. This tunnel was originally used by the previous owner to house Great Pyrenees dogs and is not part of any drainage system. The main concern is the ledge near the tunnel. While I wouldn't need to include the top portion behind the tunnel, there is plenty of great grass behind it. The advantage of this location is that it's easy to see the tortoise from my house.





2) Location 2:

This area is around a mini shed currently used for garden tools. I eventually want to move the tortoise here, as there are 2-3 acres he could roam as he grows older. The downsides are the garden, which requires ensuring all plants are safe for a sulcata, and the increased proximity to potential predators. These include bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, minks, bobcats, and occasional farm dogs. However, my own dogs love the tortoise and would likely protect him if they are around.




I'd love to know what people think! Thanks for your time!

 

[Bohr]

Not sure why it reposted multiples
sorry about that.

 

[wellington]

Do both areas have easy access to electric?
Heating will be required if it gets cold where you are and you may want to set up security cameras.
Both areas seem great to me. Except the dogs. There is no tortoise safe dog. If they love him then that means they are too intrigued by him and will become a chew toy for them.
The one easily seen by your house would probably be the safest. You could set up lighting to see what's going on if you hear anything.

 

[Bohr]

Do both areas have easy access to electric?
Heating will be required if it gets cold where you are and you may want to set up security cameras.
Both areas seem great to me. Except the dogs. There is no tortoise safe dog. If they love him then that means they are too intrigued by him and will become a chew toy for them.
The one easily seen by your house would probably be the safest. You could set up lighting to see what's going on if you hear anything.

They one by the small building has electric and a well. The one behind my house has a well but electric has to be run from the house.

 

[wellington]

Unless you want to run electric, then I would use the one that already has it. Actually the shed would make a better area for nights and any cold days where he doesn't really want to come out. That would give enough room for him to stay in if he wanted and you to give him food and water in there with room for him to walk around a bit.
The other one really doesn't offer that.

 

[Pák]

Omg, what a property, please house me there as well, not just your tortoise

 

[Bohr]

Omg, what a property, please house me there as well, not just your tortoise

Haha, thanks! I'm very satisfied with it! It only took me 12 years of university to aquire. I wouldn't recommend that to anybody.

 

[Bohr]

Unless you want to run electric, then I would use the one that already has it. Actually the shed would make a better area for nights and any cold days where he doesn't really want to come out. That would give enough room for him to stay in if he wanted and you to give him food and water in there with room for him to walk around a bit.
The other one really doesn't offer that.

I think you're right! That shed is really only being used for gardening tools. And I have two 50x30 sheds with plenty of room to put the tools.