Outside enclosure

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Eloise's mommy

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can I just point out that this is a fantastic use of wasted space!! the stupid side yard that nobody really ever uses as much more than a pass through now has a great purpose!! Not only has a tort home but a green house and it could even be used as storage at some point for kids outdoor toys there are so many possiblities for this space with or with out tortoises. Great job can't wait to see it completed.
 

Blakem

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theelectraco said:
I would try to create a way for it to get some natural UVB...maybe there is a certain portion that gets more sunlight, and you could create a removable panel on the ceiling( or something on hinges or slides) that you could allow natural sunlight through. Just an idea. I would hate to make an elaborate outdoor enclosure like that and not get ANY natural UVB.

I would definitely LOVE to include some sort of way to have natural sun in the area. I also agree that making such am elaborate enclosure would be much more efficient with natural sun. I will think on this one. I will buy a UV measuring tool and let you guys know how much it gets.


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Blakem

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So the big pipe is for my parents to plant some if their plants. The next step is top soil, building the house tomorrow, abd plant a lot of seeds. My parents have a lot of soil left (with the white balls), is it okay to grow food in there that my sulcata will munch on? I'm going to start keeping an eye on temps. Other than doing some cleaning and getting the housing together, what else should I be doing at this point?


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lynnedit

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Yes, you can grow plants in any kind of soil (with vermiculite), just don't give the soil with the greens. I grow weeds/seeds and cut them off when they are about 3-4" high, leaving an inch or two, and they grow again for awhile.
Perhaps a log, some rocks creating a mound for climbing.
Once you get your basics in, you can fine tune the area for interest. Your goal to get the hide done, sprout seeds, and the UVB source are a good first step.
 

Blakem

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lynnedit said:
Yes, you can grow plants in any kind of soil (with vermiculite), just don't give the soil with the greens. I grow weeds/seeds and cut them off when they are about 3-4" high, leaving an inch or two, and they grow again for awhile.
Perhaps a log, some rocks creating a mound for climbing.
Once you get your basics in, you can fine tune the area for interest. Your goal to get the hide done, sprout seeds, and the UVB source are a good first step.

Great thanks! I was thinking a sight barrier would be good as well. Great to know about te soil. I did get 3 cubic feet of the organic soil for 3.78$ at lowes, while 1.5 cubi feet of regular was 3.48$. I'm sure there's better stuff in the miracle grow, but I had a great outcome from last years growth with he organic. Thanks for your input.


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What about laying sod instead of dirt? I've never read of anyone doing this, so I thought I would ask


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Blakem

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Good to know! Thank you. I'll just stick with dirt


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Levi the Leopard

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pugsandkids said:
Sod is usually full of pesticides and herbicides :(

In addition to the above, sod has the green netting material underneath. As a sulcata eats the grass down the netting can be exposed and eventually cause a tangle hazard.

I do know of one member who used sod for his leopard hatchling's, well now yearling's outdoor pen. Not sure if it was regular or organic.

BUT if you can do the dirt and grow your own grass, why not? :) grass is soooooo easy and CHEAP to grow! I just grew an entire front and back lawn with tall fescue grass. After a few months it is finally mature and ready to be walked/played on!
 

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Blake m said:
Good to know! Thank you. I'll just stick with dirt


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My girlfriend, or mother, did mention growing my own. That would be fun to do actually. I will have to look up the process it takes to do that


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Levi the Leopard

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It's easy.
I raked the ground first and watered.
Sprinkled out the grass seed.
Covered the grass seed with top soil.
Watered again.

When watering, use a light shower or mist. Strong water pressure can move the dirt and seed to much.

I watered a few times a day. Keep the soil damp until you see growth. Once growth comes in you can water a little less.

As you read up on it, you'll see it spelled out similar to what I just shared with you.

You can probably do your whole enclosure for $20

Takes about a week or so from the sewing to the grass sprouting.
 

Blakem

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Cool, I think I will be doing that! I may add in some random bits of Russian tortoise seed and sulcata grazing mix that I already have. I'm looking forward to this now.


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Levi the Leopard

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In my pens i planted mostly the grass and did "patches" of different seeds.
It grew in wonderfully that way.


Here is an example of how it turns out.

Have fun!
 

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Blakem

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It's getting super close now. I'm getting really excited now that the grass and soil is laid down. More and more sun is reaching the whole enclosure. In between 11-4 the sun covers half of the whole area, which is great! I don't think dexter (sulcata) and ezek (russian) know what to do with all the space.
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Eloise's mommy

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Where is the divider to seperate the russian and the Sulcata? Will there be a divider?
 

Blakem

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I have the divider already, I just have to place it in there wen everything is ready to go. It's an 8 inch tall board.


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I used it with my Russian on my old outside enclosure.


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Blakem

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Enjoying the morning sun!
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Sulcata (Dexter)
Russian (Ezek)
 
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