Cover for enclosure?

Hey everyone!

I am currently building an outdoor enclosure for some adult redfoots and was wondering if anyone had ideas on creating a cover for it? I was planning on making a panel out of 2x2's and chicken wire, but two sides of the enclosure will be my house. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make this? Because two sides are solid walls (I am not even going to consider drilling into the wall or anything lol), I have no idea how to support a lid. Below is a pic of the area, it will be cleared obviously and some plants will be removed while more will be added.

Thanks!

I don't know how to put it in the typed word… Let me try.

Build a free-standing frame from 2x4s or 4x4s and simply push it into place up against the house. Then attach your hinged lids to the free-standing frame. Put a leg every 4 feet on your frame for support. Man… It would almost be easier to build it and show you than to try and describe it, but I can see it so perfectly in my head…

Also, make your lids out of 2x4s and welded wire. 2x2s and chicken wire might slow down a bird, but everything else can get right through it.

Here is all I can come up with as an example:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/simple-sunning-enclosure.104351/
In this thread I used 2x12s as a base, but you could do a raised 2x4 frame with legs instead, and still attach the lid the same way.

And here is some more inspiration:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/cheap-easy-simple-sunning-enclosure.14680/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...table-but-safe-outdoor-baby-enclosures.30683/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-enclosures.121732/

I'm thinking like an A frame, but with the one side being straighter then the other. One side/straight side against the house. The other would be made in two or three sections with hinges so it could be opened.

Tom said:

I don't know how to put it in the typed word… Let me try.

Build a free-standing frame from 2x4s or 4x4s and simply push it into place up against the house. Then attach your hinged lids to the free-standing frame. Put a leg every 4 feet on your frame for support. Man… It would almost be easier to build it and show you than to try and describe it, but I can see it so perfectly in my head…

Also, make your lids out of 2x4s and welded wire. 2x2s and chicken wire might slow down a bird, but everything else can get right through it.

Here is all I can come up with as an example:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/simple-sunning-enclosure.104351/
In this thread I used 2x12s as a base, but you could do a raised 2x4 frame with legs instead, and still attach the lid the same way.

And here is some more inspiration:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/cheap-easy-simple-sunning-enclosure.14680/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...table-but-safe-outdoor-baby-enclosures.30683/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/outdoor-enclosures.121732/

Click to expand...

wellington said:

I'm thinking like an A frame, but with the one side being straighter then the other. One side/straight side against the house. The other would be made in two or three sections with hinges so it could be opened.

Click to expand...

Both of these make a lot of sense, but things just got MUCH more complicated lol... I don't know why I did this to myself, but there is a HUGE pile of logs near my house that are all free, and many of them halves. None of the trees were every treated with anything (made sure I found out), so I figured this would be much cheaper and look super cool... check, and check. However, now the top is even more of issue than before. I think that Tom's idea will work, but I may need to make four bases and treat the entire enclosure as if it's the side of the house, if that makes sense. Also, it's about 6x8 and will be used for an adult red foot pair. Here are some updates (I am not even close to done, I still need to add grasses, water bowl, night hide, and a layer of dirt throughout):

Love the logs. Once you get working on it, it will be easier to figure it out.
Share pics when it's done.

wellington said:

Love the logs. Once you get working on it, it will be easier to figure it out.
Share pics when it's done.

Click to expand...

Thanks! I thought they looked pretty neat. I just planted a long grass, but I am still trying to think about what I will use as the ground layer... should I just leave the dirt? Plant grass (I can get organic sod sheets already grown for a few dollars in town)? And I am trying to find a dog house for sale that I can use as a night shelter.

Theo.tortoise.lover.7 said:

Thanks! I thought they looked pretty neat. I just planted a long grass, but I am still trying to think about what I will use as the ground layer... should I just leave the dirt? Plant grass (I can get organic sod sheets already grown for a few dollars in town)? And I am trying to find a dog house for sale that I can use as a night shelter.

Click to expand...

I dog house will not work for SoCal if you intend to leave them out full time, and 6x8 is a bit small for full time housing of adults too. I also wouldn't keep them as a pair. That is a recipe for disaster.

You'll need to build them the right kind of heated shelter if you want to leave them out all the time. Like this:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/#post-828952

I agree with Tom. It is a bit small for two adults.
I would plant seeds or a few plants that they might eat or use for shade/hiding. Hostas are good for them to get coverage and they can eat it. From my understanding of RF they like more filtered light.

Tom said:

I dog house will not work for SoCal if you intend to leave them out full time, and 6x8 is a bit small for full time housing of adults too. I also wouldn't keep them as a pair. That is a recipe for disaster.

You'll need to build them the right kind of heated shelter if you want to leave them out all the time. Like this:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/#post-828952

Click to expand...

It is 6x8 right now, but after planting it and about to add a night shelter, I realized that I should build it larger which I am going to do tomorrow! I plan on doubling the size and splitting the male and female so they each have a 6x8, then possibly getting a few more to create a herd once I get these couple settled in! And your definitely right about the house, I will definitely make a nicer, cushion heated one like what you suggested. For the time being, I will probably keep them in the indoor enclosure until I have completely finished the outdoor one!