Outdoor enclosure

[Owlii]

Hello everyone! It's been quite some time since I've actually posted in the forums [sorry about that]!
I had a few questions concerning the outdoor 8' x 8' enclosure I just built for my sulcata. She [or at least I think it's a girl] is about 6 and a half inches long and weighs in at a little more than two pounds and is around 25 months old. That all being said, if I leave her outside during the day and bring her in to her normal indoor enclosure at night, do I need to put some sort of protective covering over her enclosure while she is outside? I've given her a burrow, and plan on going to the Plant nursery soon to pick up a few succulents and shrubs for her to munch on as well as hide in, but I am still a little worried about leaving her outside without a top to the enclosure. I let her roam around in her enclosure today, but I was home and could go out frequently and check on her. [it's when I am not home that scares me]

Any suggestions?

 

[Saleama]

Better safe than sorry. I cover mine even if I am standing right there. Cats are fast and I have plenty of feral ones where I live. Of course, mine are all way smaller than yours.

 

[Tom]

This will differ depending on many factors, and a big one would be where you are. In the middle of a city, there is less risk of dangerous wildlife, but possibly more risk of thieves or dogs.

Everyone must assess this risk for themselves and their own area. I don't cover my large outdoor enclosures for tortoises that size, but that doesn't mean somebody else shouldn't, if their area dictates it. I DO cover my enclosures for smaller tortoises.

 

[Owlii]

This will differ depending on many factors, and a big one would be where you are. In the middle of a city, there is less risk of dangerous wildlife, but possibly more risk of thieves or dogs.

Everyone must assess this risk for themselves and their own area. I don't cover my large outdoor enclosures for tortoises that size, but that doesn't mean somebody else shouldn't, if their area dictates it. I DO cover my enclosures for smaller tortoises.

I live in a rural-ish area. We do have two hawks in the area and I hear the two of them all the time. My acre yard has a six foot chain link fence around it so I am not really worried about other predators... just the hawks.

 

[Tom]

Coyotes, raccoons and dogs can all easily hop 6' chain link, and since they can see what's inside they might be more inclined to.

Everything is a risk. You just have to weigh the pros and cons. It would not be too hard to make a lid for an 8x8' enclosure. Check this out: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-30683.html

 

[Owlii]

I will probably end up making a lid for the enclosure even if it's just for my own peace of mind. I'd rather be safe than sorry. =]