my upcoming outdoor enclosure

hdeaver1

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Mar 16, 2014
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My African Leopard Tortoise AKA Tortellini is going through a growth spurt. We will be moving to the hot temperatures of Las Vegas and I decided that the best home for him will be an outdoor enclosure. I am sure Tortellini will love the extra space to roam around in. I am going to follow a similar structure as the one posted here by Tom: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...table-but-safe-outdoor-baby-enclosures.30683/
However, I am going to make my area bigger for him (I was thinking 8X10) Inside I am going to have an area with grass and the rest will be dirt with plants through out and a few places to hide under. Here are my questions:
1. What type of grass should I place in his enclosure
2. Can you suggest a few plants to place in his enclosure?
3. In your experience how long does these plants use when they are grazing? If this is available in his enclosure do I still need to bring him out food daily, or will he naturally graze on whats out there? How will I know that he's eating?!
4. Is it okay to let him out there all the time? When will Tort need to come inside?
5. Any ideas on creating a small shallow area for water that he could also soak in at will?
 

ascott

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Bermuda.
Variety of common weeds, dandelion, filaree, mallow, hibiscus, roses, fruitless mulberry and the like.
Tortoise will plow down anything that they decide to walk over/through....so perhaps making a way to block new growth from the tort.
Yes, as long as there are plenty of thick shade spots or a way for the tort to get under ground. Freezing and flooding are good bring in reasons.
You can use a large teracotta plant saucer dish or anything of the like..
 

hdeaver1

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So if its raining he's okay to stay out as long as it doesn't start to flood? Thanks for the suggestion on the plants...not sure how to block new growth I will have to think on that!
 

Yellow Turtle01

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Yes, just a little rain. Torrential rain is no good. They actually like tromping about in the wet (if it's still warm) Does he have a big shelter to hide in if he wants to stay dry?
 

hdeaver1

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Yes, just a little rain. Torrential rain is no good. They actually like tromping about in the wet (if it's still warm) Does he have a big shelter to hide in if he wants to stay dry?
Currently he lives inside, but when we move to las Vegas I am going to create his outdoor enclosure. What are some good ideas for shelters he can use to stay dry in?
 

Yellow Turtle01

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You can use pots turned on their side, create burrows out of plastic garbage cans (Lol, maybe a bit big for your tort) or you could make a hide out of wood... the pet store sells half-longs in different sizes fr reptiles.
 

hdeaver1

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tort shelter.JPG tortshelter.JPG
right now he has a hollowed out piece of wood that he crawls under. I got it from the pet store, but it will need a replacement soon because it will be too small soon. Don't you think?
 
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