Enclosure Top

[NickWag]

Hey everybody!

My outdoor enclosure is almost complete for my hatchling Sulcata, and I have one question.
On the top of the enclosure, we are planning on placing a screen door mesh door. I've attached a picture of the mesh we are using. We decided on this to keep the critters out.
My question is: will this allow the proper UVB to come through the top, or will most of the UVB be blocked by this?

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It is Aluminum Insect Screening, if that helps.

 

[NickWag]

Nevermind. Found some suitable chicken wire.

 

[apromann4]

Most uvb will be block by the chicken wire, try putting the uvb inside the enclosure before covering it

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[theelectraco]

Most uvb will be block by the chicken wire, try putting the uvb inside the enclosure before covering it

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OP stated it is for OUTDOOR enclosure.


The screen is definitely gunna filter out the UVB but the chicken wire will be fine.


0.1.0 Dachshund
0.0.1 Redfoot
1.0.0 Greek

 

[NickWag]

Thanks, y'all! I felt uneasy about using that mesh all along. I'm using it for the sides still. But, I saw the right chicken wire while at Home Depot and decided it would work better all around.

 

[WillTort2]

The chicken wire I remember could be a little weak if it were attacked by a determined dog or raccoon. I think they make a hardware cloth with one half inch squares that should keep out critters and let plenty of sunlight into the enclosure.

Good luck.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Hardware cloth is the most ideal. But the chicken wire is better than that mesh.

Heather
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[jaizei]

There is nothing wrong with using screen/fine mesh for a top outside. It depends on the type of material and size of holes, but I doubt the screen will block more than 50% of the UVB. In full sun, that is more than likely going to be plenty of UVB.

 

[theelectraco]

I agree^ the biggest problem I see wi that screen is t appears to be nylon, or someone that isn't metal, and would be very easy to rip if a predator was determined, or even if your tortoise was.


0.1.0 Dachshund
0.0.1 Redfoot
1.0.0 Greek

 

[NickWag]

What is hardware cloth? Does it allow UVB to flow through?
I have the enclosure set up in my garage for now. I'm gonna hold off until I know for sure what is best to use.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Re: RE: Enclosure Top

What is hardware cloth? Does it allow UVB to flow through?
I have the enclosure set up in my garage for now. I'm gonna hold off until I know for sure what is best to use.

This is it...

Heather
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[NickWag]

Thank you! My only problem with that is preventing snakes from climbing in.
Any suggestions?

 

[Levi the Leopard]

Snakes shouldn't pose a threat to your tortoise.

Heather
Sent from my Android TFO app

 

[Tom]

The hardware cloth should suit you perfectly. The mesh is 1/2 x 1/2 inch, so only tiny baby snakes could get in. It's pretty strong and won't block too much light or UV either.

 

[NickWag]

Great! That's what I needed to hear. Thanks!