Moving Russian Outdoors For Summer

[brenrn]

Hi all...our Russian has done well indoors through the winter but I'd like to move him outside for the summer. We have a raised garden bed that I was going to use but I'm worried about predators getting in from the top. I found a rabbit run that was relatively inexpensive and figured this would work well if I add a hide to it. http://www.petco.com/product/119367...abbit-Run-in-Auburn.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

Is this a good option if we add something around the edges and under it so he can't dig out?

Seems like a silly question but do I need additional lighting outdoors? I'm thinking he won't have a nice hot basking spot outdoors like he does inside. I have seed from Carolina Pet Supply that I grew indoors and supplemented his diet with through the winter so I am going to plant that in whatever enclosure we end up using.

Any other outdoor advice anyone would like to share?

 

[goReptiles]

It would be cheaper to buy hardware cloth and wood to make your own. You could make it larger that way.

 

[Saleama]

You do not need lighting or a basking spot outdoors. A basking spot indoors is to mimic outdoors. Get some nice decorative grasses and a few bush type plants for shade. I got a "Texas" shaped bird bath and took off the stand and placed it in a circle of driveway rocks for a water feature. I also got some pasture mix and some additional clover seeds and I sprinkle them in there on occasion to keep it growing. I have Nasturtians planted all over the place outside the enclosure so when they get big enough, I can harvest and feed them those. The seeds are fairly cheap and grow very well with little care IF you can get them started. I will take and post some picts when I get home.