Do you have to cover the top of outdoor enclosure

Lindseyc123

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Hi, we live in So Cal- near the coast- we are building a simple enclosure for our new pet Yellow foot tortoise (from a shelter)- we are new to this- I have many questions-
How important is it to have a top over the enclosure? Our yellow foot is 2 years old and already quite big- most of the birds we get are small sparrow like birds. We do not own a dog or any other animals.
Is it an absolute to have a cover? Thank you

5C9BCA2F-FC06-4B64-ABA6-C37036BD0BC6.jpeg
 

Yvonne G

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That's a redfoot tortoise.

I don't cover my outdoor tortoise yards, but there are many trees and bushes in there. Also, I lock everyone up in their sheds at night.
 

Lindseyc123

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I'M IN SOCAL AND I DON'T COVER EITHER. SECURED AT NIGHT.
I'M IN SOCAL AND I DON'T COVER EITHER. SECURED AT NIGHT.
Ok, that’s helpful. If you’re out for the day and don’t get back until late- that wouldn’t be often but maybe a few times a month- will they be ok if you’re not able to put them in somewhere secure or warm until you get back late? I’m not talking midnight more like 10 at night.
Thanks ?
 

Toddrickfl1

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I don't have a cover, but my tort comes in at night. If I left my tort out at night I would definitely use a cover or a locked night box. Also your tort looks more like a redfoot to me.
 

Cherryshell

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@Toddrickfl1 @Yvonne G just curious but what are some of the traits this tortoise exhibits that make yall think its a redfoot vs a yellowfoot?

Personally not having some kind of cover for an outdoor enclosure would make me feel a bit uneasy, mostly because there would be a chance a neighborhood dog or a raccoon/possum/bird of prey could potentially have a tortoise snack.
 

Danimal

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I'm rural so yes, smaller animals covered, larger animals hot wire.
 

Toddrickfl1

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@Toddrickfl1 @Yvonne G just curious but what are some of the traits this tortoise exhibits that make yall think its a redfoot vs a yellowfoot?

Personally not having some kind of cover for an outdoor enclosure would make me feel a bit uneasy, mostly because there would be a chance a neighborhood dog or a raccoon/possum/bird of prey could potentially have a tortoise snack.
This diagram shows the differences pretty well. 43f3025830af283807b011e20754f3ba.png
 

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