Outdoor thoughts

[ditzyangeluk]

Ok, I am planning a bigger enclosure for outside. I would like to put Sparky outside, as much as possible but in the UK, weather dictates of course (and not always favourably!) So I thought about an open enclosure (!!) with a raised cover, say perspex/plastic/whatever)

HOWEVER, if I do this, am I right in thinking it will block the UV rays and if so, how do I get around this? Or do I just put the cover over when it rains?

(Pic is an example - enclosure would be as is, with posts to have raised perspex/cover over the top to keep enclosure dry)

Thoughts and ideas welcome please

 

[Abdulla6169]

Ok, I am planning a bigger enclosure for outside. I would like to put Sparky outside, as much as possible but in the UK, weather dictates of course (and not always favourably!) So I thought about an open enclosure (!!) with a raised cover, say perspex/plastic/whatever)

HOWEVER, if I do this, am I right in thinking it will block the UV rays and if so, how do I get around this? Or do I just put the cover over when it rains?

(Pic is an example - enclosure would be as is, with posts to have raised perspex/cover over the top to keep enclosure dry)

Thoughts and ideas welcome please

View attachment 87946

It will probably affect the UVB/UVA amount, how much is another problem! Do you have a UV meter? Is it possible that you can measure it with the thinnest material? I believe it should only be put in rain

 

[lismar79]

I have seen some people use small green houses when it rains or if it is cooler. I also would only use plexi if it rained. Uv will prob not go through the plexi..

 

[wellington]

Chicken wire or hardware cloth is what I would use to keep critters out. If critters isn't a concern in your area, then cover just a 1/4 to 1/2 with the plexi. Uv does not go through plastic or plexi and don't forget, it will be a lot hotter under it, as it will work like a green house. Maybe just cover a portion of it with weather treated wood. You could also just put a hide in there that rain can not drain into and he can take cover in there is he wants.