Outdoor Tortoise Enclosure

[DTNGUYEN0707]

Hello,

I wanted to build a big outdoor tortoise enclosure for my sulcata tortoise in my backyard, similar to the size in the image below. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations as to what cost-efficient materials I can use to construct it. I also saw some other people stack cinder blocks for the base, but wasn't sure if that will cause any problems down the road.

Also, I was wondering if anyone had problems with roaches or fly infestations having their tortoises outside like this.

Thank you!

 

[Tom]

You don't need the walls and roof for a large tortoise. You need massive floor size. The 2x12s with posts will work great. You can also use plywood with the posts. Cinder blocks work fine, but larger sulcatas can and will knock them over and escape in some cases. Ask me how I know this...

You are going to say: "But I have x, y and z predators around and I don't want them to eat my tortoise. Those same predators, coyotes, raccoons, possums, rats, hawks, snakes, etc... occur all over the country. We all have all of them. Its not a problem for any tortoise over five or six inches. You will need an insulated night box for cooler days, and for every night year round, and this protects your tortoise from both low temperatures and nocturnal pests like rats or raccoons.

 

[DTNGUYEN0707]

Also, the space I want to use right now always grows weeds after we cut it, and add some weed killers. I read online that putting a 2-3 inch layer of cypress mulch over it will help because it'll block the sunlight and prevent the weeds from growing again. Will this work? Any other suggestions to prevent weed growth?

Also, I am planning on using cypress mulch as my substrate. Any underlying complications I might run into with using this? Bad odor from rain soaking it? Etc.

 

[jaizei]

Also, the space I want to use right now always grows weeds after we cut it, and add some weed killers. I read online that putting a 2-3 inch layer of cypress mulch over it will help because it'll block the sunlight and prevent the weeds from growing again. Will this work? Any other suggestions to prevent weed growth?

Also, I am planning on using cypress mulch as my substrate. Any underlying complications I might run into with using this? Bad odor from rain soaking it? Etc.

What kind of weeds? If they're edible, you're lucky they're there.

 

[Tom]

Also, the space I want to use right now always grows weeds after we cut it, and add some weed killers. I read online that putting a 2-3 inch layer of cypress mulch over it will help because it'll block the sunlight and prevent the weeds from growing again. Will this work? Any other suggestions to prevent weed growth?

Also, I am planning on using cypress mulch as my substrate. Any underlying complications I might run into with using this? Bad odor from rain soaking it? Etc.

You'll need to stop using weed killers and any other toxic chemicals in the tortoise area and anywhere nearby.

Weeds and grasses are the best foods for your tortoise, and letting them grow naturally is the best way to "feed" your tortoise. You need to ID the weeds that spring up and if they are not toxic, you are golden! Free tortoise food!!!

You don't need substrate in an outdoor enclosure. Just use the native dirt. Mulch can inhibit weed growth, but some weeds will still persist.

 

[DTNGUYEN0707]

The weeds are like this. I'm not too sure how to ID them, but I am afraid that I will build the enclosure and it'll overgrow like this all over again.

 

[DTNGUYEN0707]

Also, my dad was thinking of adding a plastic roof on the top to prevent rain from making the enclosure messy. Does this have any negative impact? Would it be better to just leave it open, or add a mesh roof? My tortoise is still about a foot in length, so they aren't the biggest yet.