Outdoor Russian Enclosure with LOTS of Predators

[Ruszian Tortoise]

So I am giving away my tortoise to a very enthusiastic 12 year old and his family. They want to build an outside enclosure, but don’t want to spend much/if any on it. They also have rodents, hawks, cats, occasionally coyotes, and maybe also occasional wolves all come through their yard. I suggested chicken wire, but they said that if a rodent could get his head in the wire he would be able to fit through. Is chicken wire small enough? Also, they get their area sprayed for mosquitos occasionally. Can an outdoor enclosure be built above ground? What should we put to keep the substrate off the ground? And can weeds be eaten from their yard?

Many thanks.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Whether or not the outdoor enclosure is possible depends on these two questions: What do they use to spray for mosquitoes? Are there any other chemicals used?

Outdoor enclosure can be built above ground. For the roof and bottom you should use heavy duty deer netting with smaller holes than chicken wire. 1/4" is usually recommended to keep rodents away

Between the bottom net and the substrate you can use heavy duty landscaping fabric.

Also, is important that a sturdy night shelter is build and the tortoise is locked there overnight.

 

[Tom]

So I am giving away my tortoise to a very enthusiastic 12 year old and his family. They want to build an outside enclosure, but don’t want to spend much/if any on it. They also have rodents, hawks, cats, occasionally coyotes, and maybe also occasional wolves all come through their yard. I suggested chicken wire, but they said that if a rodent could get his head in the wire he would be able to fit through. Is chicken wire small enough? Also, they get their area sprayed for mosquitos occasionally. Can an outdoor enclosure be built above ground? What should we put to keep the substrate off the ground? And can weeds be eaten from their yard?

Many thanks.

Are they also in TX?

Chicken wire is weak. It will keep chickens in, but it won't keep predators out. Use welded wire instead.

Unfortunately, they are going to have to spends lots of money, time and effort to house the tortoise correctly. Sounds like you should find a better place for it. It will need an insulated shelter with temperature controls and a suitable cage. Russians are the number one tortoise escape artists, so their housing needs to be taken seriously. Unless they already have all the needed supplies laying around, they are going to need to buy the things they need and then build it all.

 

[SinLA]

I'd also worry about fire ants depending on where they are

 

[EppsDynasty]

I'm with Tom, sounds like this pet is a little more than they can handle. Or at least more than they can afford. I would have a very "Honest" talk with them and make sure they understand it's going to be a good chunk of money to house any tort correctly. I'm getting the feeling of a new member in about a month or so asking "I think somethings wrong with my Tortoise."

 

[Anastasia 22]

I'd also worry about fire ants depending on where they are

Agree! In my situation it's not possible to get rid of fire ants completely. So, I always watch my tortoises when they walk outside.....

 

[S2G]

Pesticides is going to ruin the whole deal honestly. Chemicals & outdoor keeping dont mix. What they need to worry about most is raccoons. To truly keep them outside especially away from the house you will need an electric fence & a monitoring system. Also russians dig so deep its unreal. Theyll need to dig down atleast 1ft or more to put a perimeter down to keep them in. Honestly that may not be enough.

What i do is put their pin close to the house & lock them up for the night. I use a robust cold frame house system as their shelter. Once he/she retreats to that I'll lock them up for the night. I had a chicken wire top on my slider bin & raccoons busted it up eating 2 juvi sliders i had in there.

If it falls through & youre ever close to AL id be happy to give it a forever home for you. I have some acreage & just started setting up a few more tortoise pins. Ive been trying to adopt a few in need around me.

 

[Tom]

To truly keep them outside especially away from the house you will need an electric fence & a monitoring system.

... or put them in a large cage of some sort. I live out in the country with the same full range of predators including raccoons, coyotes, and all the rest, and I've never used an electric fence or monitoring system. Small chelonians are kept caged and all tortoises of all sizes and species are locked in temperature controlled night boxes every night. For example, my stars live in a 28 x32 foot cage made of pressure treated lumber and welded wire.

 

[S2G]

... or put them in a large cage of some sort. I live out in the country with the same full range of predators including raccoons, coyotes, and all the rest, and I've never used an electric fence or monitoring system. Small chelonians are kept caged and all tortoises of all sizes and species are locked in temperature controlled night boxes every night. For example, my stars live in a 28 x32 foot cage made of pressure treated lumber and welded wire.

Well true. I had 2 legged animal problems also at my last house. Do you mind posting your cage setup or pointing me to a thread if you dont mind? I lock mine up at night the same way.

 

[Tom]

Well true. I had 2 legged animal problems also at my last house. Do you mind posting your cage setup or pointing me to a thread if you dont mind? I lock mine up at night the same way.

I HATE those pesky two legged predators!

Here are the night boxes:

Single Tortoise Night Box

I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...

tortoiseforum.org

Double Door Night Box

As the years have gone by and I build more of these boxes, I learn more and more each time. This one is the latest and I incorporated everything I've learned over the years. I also tried to take lots of pics so I can explain in more detail some of what is going on. It will take multiple posts to...

tortoiseforum.org

Here is a small cage for a single juvenile male Burmese star. The is actually a chicken coop from Tractor Supply with a heated night box attached:


Here is my giant cage for my stars. There are four "strips" that are about 8 x 32 feet each:

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

A properly sized dog kennel would probably be the most secure option. At least here in Finland, wolf and bear proof outdoor kennels are sold, if you want to go with a ready made option.

 

[Sarah2020]

I think you find an alternative home for your shelled warrior. Tortoise need care, time, investment and the correct setup.