Started Outside Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

[DixieParadise]

Well, I have started accumulating cinder blocks, so I thought today would be a good day to put them to use.

With my visionary picture in mind, I started stacking the blocks. I have one side and corner almost finished and it is starting to look like a gray prison. I am going on line to check out some other block styles to see if I can't some how incorporate those with what I have and still need. (To get rid of the prison/jail look) I want to incorporate the tortoises to my landscaping not just merely have an enclosure for them.

I know that 2 high is enough, but I wanted to put new sod on the bottom as I am utilizing a part of my yard that used to be covered by a wooden deck. So, there is no ground coverage except for the occassional weed that has popped up waiting for me to put this thing together. I was thinking 3 high, but now I am considering 2 high with 1 level of retaining wall blocks.

I think I should be done by next Wednesday. I will put the pictures up them of finished or almost finished enclosure then. Any ideas would really be appreciated.

 

[dmarcus]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

You could always find some type of plant that will cover the bricks, I think we have snappdragon growing around the outside with hopes of it growing over into his enclosure and then he can eat some if he likes.. You could also paint the outside of the bricks since the look of it is more for us humans because a tortoise doesnt care what it looks like...

 

[SnakeyeZ]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

Looking forward to seeing some pictures. I know what you mean by concrete prison... probably the only reason I`ll be using wood for mine when I eventually start to build it.

 

[DixieParadise]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

Ok, I have a call into my nephew who does concrete flooring. I am going to ask him, if the concrete blocks can be stained and sealed. For the ground, I am going to till in peatmoss with my dirt and plant the enclosure plants and then probably top with cypress mulch or coco husk.

I also thought about 3 sides block and then front side wood w/screen...this would allow me to view them from my patio without having to go to the enclosure to watch their activity.

Thanks for the help and ideas. This is trully a project in the infancy stage...

 

[dmarcus]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

It sounds like you have a good idea going and the front side with wood and screen sounds cool..

 

[ascott]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

Block is good....you can use transparent concrete stain in a variety of shades and you can plant outside as well as inside to lessen the appearance of so much block....all sounds fabulous....as silly as it sounds, don't forget to have fun

 

[Maggie Cummings]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

I used cinder blocks for Bob's pen. At first they were stacked 1 high, then he grew so we upped them to 2 high, then he grew so we upped them to 3 high, then he grew so we made a solid cedar fence...at 3 high he would stand on his back feet and push to knock them over. A very inventive tortoise

I like block. Put wood over the top and that creates a great place to sit and watch the tortoise. I'm always afraid of spiders climbing on my butt so that's where the wood comes in. Then no spiders can get me...

 

[Tropical Torts]

If you dont feel like painting the cinder blocks you could always put some lattice fencing around the outside and then plant grape vines around it and let them grow into the lattice. I have done this before with chain link fencing, it looks nice and natural, and the leaves as well as the grapes are a good variety food for redfoots. Just an idea.

 

[DixieParadise]

@JR Thanks, I will take into consideration.

 

[terryo]

John I love the idea of the grape vine. I have some myself, and am going to put them on one side of Pio's garden too.
EJ...Do you have an English Bull Terrier? My son has one and we had one or many years. They are wonderful clowns aren't they? Can you post a picture of yours? I 'd love to see her.

 

[Smash Rockwell]

Check out this video the guy used concrete looked pretty good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trh5RcOm-mY

 

[lynnedit]

RE: Started Outsdie Enclosure - HELP ideas needed

Ok, I have a call into my nephew who does concrete flooring. I am going to ask him, if the concrete blocks can be stained and sealed. For the ground, I am going to till in peatmoss with my dirt and plant the enclosure plants and then probably top with cypress mulch or coco husk.

I also thought about 3 sides block and then front side wood w/screen...this would allow me to view them from my patio without having to go to the enclosure to watch their activity.

Thanks for the help and ideas. This is trully a project in the infancy stage...

I like the idea of incorporating peat moss into the soil and then just plants. Throw down some weed seeds too. Can't wait to see it!