summers coming

[68merc]

This will be the outdoor enclosure for the summer. I still have to put in the pickets on the front fence and move the the bags of sand. Im also planning on adding pickets on the back fence, planting weeds and planting lots of stuff the torts can eat. I have plans for a water feature that will be baby tort friendly, and will have filtered water.
The front fence is 28'

overall pic of the area.

Right end.

Center.

View from the left.

 

[Jacqui]

You know, I really love seeing the very beginnings of enclosures and watch as they develop and watch the dream become a finished reality.

 

[68merc]

The top rail is a redwood 2x6 so Hannah and i can sit and watch when feeding them, its only 17.5" tall at the high point. =-)

 

[Jacqui]

The top rail is a redwood 2x6 so Hannah and i can sit and watch when feeding them, its only 17.5" tall at the high point. =-)

When I had looked at the photos, I had guessed the rail was made for sitting. It's something I really loved seeing. I think too often when we make enclosures, we forget to plan for where we humans can comfortably sit and spend time just observing these amazing creatures.

 

[ChiKat]

You know, I really love seeing the very beginnings of enclosures and watch as they develop and watch the dream become a finished reality.

Me too!! I would love if you posted pictures of your progress.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Very nice, you have good skills.

 

[mike1011]

looks great! sitting and watching them with my coffee is the best part!

 

[68merc]

Well I had the morning off so I worked on the summer home.

Added pickets.

Had an idea for a hide.

Im still going to cut an inspection hole/lid in the top of the barrel. Im also going to plant lots of stuff. I have rocks that are going in too. And somewhere I have to build their water feature.

 

[SnakeyeZ]

Looks fantastic!

Man o man I can't wait till the snow disappears so I can start building something.

 

[Jacqui]

Oh I just love your fencing even more! Thinking I need to remember it. With your tunnel/hide which way does the tunnel slant? Wondering if you have it sloped so if it rain the water would go back out or will it all go rushing into the hide? In conjunction with that question would be, is the dirt built up around the entrance, so the water from the entire enclosure drains away from the entrance, too? Basically asking if it is on/in a high spot.

I am liking this more and more. Good day's work!

 

[68merc]

The entry to the hide will be close to the high point in the enclosure. I will also cover that area with something so it can't get any direct rain.... not that area of the yard would ever flood :+)

 

[CtTortoiseMom]

Great job, good idea's!! I love the tunnel and hide!

 

[Jacqui]

The entry to the hide will be close to the high point in the enclosure. I will also cover that area with something so it can't get any direct rain.... not that area of the yard would ever flood :+)

I figured you had already thought of it, but just double checking. I tend to be the kind who seeks out possible flaws before they happen.

 

[68merc]

I was at it again today, here is the result of todays work.
overall view. Note new back fence.

View from the right end.

View from the left end.

Its just about 200sf over all.
The planter boxes will be filled in the next few weeks. I planted a grape vine at the extreme left end (not pictured) and two other plants. I have a 1/2" drip line around the hole thing and have plans for grass in some of the enclosure.

 

[Yvonne G]

I see someone has been enjoying these nice spring time sunny days we've been having here in Central Calif. Too bad rain's in the forecast, huh? But then that gives the dirt a chance to settle.

 

[68merc]

Its a labor of love. I need a project in my life and this one goes back to my childhood! I think my dad would be proud. I can't wait to plant more stuff. Its going to be green!

 

[onarock]

Really, really cool. I like how its not just a rectangle or square. Wow... Neighborhood... Cant remember the last time I lived in one of those.

 

[Jacqui]

I missed when you added your last pictures. I see many enclosures in here that I like, but very few I would love to have in my yard. Yours is one I would love to have. I like the plant box idea!