Fencing.

[kambcba]

I have always understood that torts can’t have fencing that they can see through. It must be solid. If they can see through it they will never stop trying to get through it/get out. Yet I see photos of torts fenced in with chain link and wire fence with small squares and the owners have never had an issue.

One reason my large enclosure is taking so long is because we are putting solid fencing in, up against the wire (non climb horse fence). I’m now wondering if it’s really necessary.

 

[Yvonne G]

You might have seen pictures, but maybe just haven't read yet if any problems ever occurred. With chain link I always recommend placing a 1x12 board across the bottom on the inside of the chain link. You only need your wood from the ground and up about 12" - higher for sulcatas.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/8514686768464193/

 

[Tom]

I have always understood that torts can’t have fencing that they can see through. It must be solid. If they can see through it they will never stop trying to get through it/get out. Yet I see photos of torts fenced in with chain link and wire fence with small squares and the owners have never had an issue.

One reason my large enclosure is taking so long is because we are putting solid fencing in, up against the wire (non climb horse fence). I’m now wondering if it’s really necessary.

This is worse for some species more so than others. For example, I have seen many sulcatas shred their front legs, ripping all the scales off and getting blood everywhere, on chain link and hog wire. Conversely, I've seen large Galapagos tortoises perfectly content behind hog wire and chain link, not challenging the fence at all. However, these pens are usually heavily planted and extremely large.

Thinking more about this, Galaps and Aldabras are the only ones I've seen that don't rub themselves bloody without a visual barrier. DTs, leopards, all the Testudo, and especially sulcatas need that visual barrier. So if you are housing a giant species in a 10 acre pen, then you can skip the visual barrier.

 

[SinLA]

I would also think it easier for them to climb a chain link fence vs a solid one...

 

[Tom]

I would also think it easier for them to climb a chain link fence vs a solid one...

Valid point from the Russian tortoise keeper. Russian tortoises: Capable of levitation and teleportation.