How does this look, please?

[austinl01]

I'm getting into box turtles soon and thought I'd make some plans for an outdoor enclosure.

My main concern is that the turtles cannot escape. I had some yellow bellied sliders escape from a pen I built not long ago. I have no idea how they got out...I thought I had all the bases covered.

Anyway, here is my first design. Please comment on any changes needed or additions that would be nice.

Thank you,
Austin
Little Rock

 

[Yvonne G]

Wow, Austin:

You've gone to a great deal of planning and engineering!

I wish you'd make it a bit bigger. Four feet by five feet isn't quite big enough for even only one box turtle. I'd like to see you double that.

What you have designed is very nice and quite a good set up for a box turtle. I like the pond and the types of plants. I'd also add some leaf litter to aid in soil amending. Box turtles love to dig and bury themselves. Leaf litter is a big help in that direction.

 

[austinl01]

Thanks, Yvonne. I really want it bigger too! The problem is my backyard is rather small and uniquely shaped. This winter I'm going to turtle proof the perimeter of my backyard by adding plastic mesh fencing along the bottom of the existing wooden fence so they cannot dig out. Then, they may have the whole backyard to roam and explore. I have lots of plants in the backyard, but finding them could be a major challenge. Another thing I've considered is this: I have a tall deck that I can walk under. I thought I could enclose that area too and it would provide over 400 square feet of roaming room. What do you think about this?

Here's the deck. I now have landscaping around it.

I'll add some compost and leaf litter to the pen and make sure the soil is nice and loose. The good thing is fall is almost here!

I'm going to start with three small Eastern turtles and go from there.

Thanks for the reply!

 

[ascott]

Beautiful display of OCD at its best LOL....I love it. May I share my OCD with you? I would put some type of ledge/over hang around the inside edge around the top perimeter that makes a bit of a cap at the tops edge so that they can not get over the top.... just my opinion ...kinda like a whelping box top edge for puppies...

 

[austinl01]

Beautiful display of OCD at its best LOL....I love it. May I share my OCD with you? I would put some type of ledge/over hang around the inside edge around the top perimeter that makes a bit of a cap at the tops edge so that they can not get over the top.... just my opinion ...kinda like a whelping box top edge for puppies...

How'd you know I have OCD? lol. I really have it! Okay, a cap. I'll add that to the design. Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

Under the deck would be a great place for box turtles, as they really do love a more shady spot than too sunny. That way you can find them easier than if you give them the whole yard.

 

[Jacqui]

I like the under deck idea too!

 

[wrmitchell22]

Great plans, can't wait to see pics of the finaly project!

 

[austinl01]

Updated diagram!

 

[Momof4]

Have you started your enclosure yet? Your plans look really nice.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Great!

 

[lynnedit]

I like your plans, and I really like the under the deck idea. Great use of unused space. And you are right, it would be hard to find them in the entire yard. Under the deck has dappled light, shade, and if it extended out a bit, even a couple of feet, into the sunny area, they would have great choices, depending on the weather. You could plant with hostas, and check The Tortoise Table for more safe shady plant options.

 

[CactusVinnie]

Hi Austin!

I don't know... it looks fine, if you ask me. But what if the possible escaped Redfoots catch the taste for Trachy leaves, or even worse, for "Warren, Arkansas" Minors? Let alone the "McCurtains"!!!

 

[DeanS]

Looks good to me...although I'd like to see it at least double in size...I definitely like the idea of utilizing the space under the deck...as part of the enclosure! And 400 sq ft sounds better than 20