New changes to outdoor enclosure

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fabfourgirl1964

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I made some changes to my outdoor enclosure for my Russian Tortoise.
I had to switch the way the left lid opens, because it hit the pillar in the fence and I couldn't prop it open all the way. By removing the hinges in the back to the left side, I can open it all the way to the left. I ran into another problem though. There was nothing holding it open, so I put 4 more bricks underneath the hinges so that it rests on them when opened! I had one problem with the right lid as it opens from front to back and leans again the back fence. No problem there!
With the hot weather coming, I needed a way to make some shade, so I bought some sun screen fabric and doubled it over to make a 4 x 4 square foot piece. I then sewed up the sides but left a margin where I can put two pvc pipes through it. I thought the wind might blow it off, so instead I use two plant stakes which I am able to put the ends through the plastic fencing on top the lids! It holds in place where ever I put it!
I used plastic fencing instead of hardware fabric because my Russian Tortoise will only be out during the day and not nights! I planted some edible plants and flowers. Some from seed which hasn't grow yet.
I used Ace top soil (sandy loam and humus) no chemicals! I also used Phagnum peat moss and eco earth natural bark. I will attached photos.
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sibi

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This took a lot of thought and planning. It looks great! I like the safety locks too. How long do you think your tort will utilize this enclosure?
 

fabfourgirl1964

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I've aready had him in it on warm days. He's always looking for a way out or he hids in one of the pots. I guess that's a Russian Tortoise for ya. They are escape artists. It makes me feel like he doesn't like it!
 

lynnedit

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Give him time. Being outside is new to him, different.
That is really nice and well thought out. I like the shade cloth, removable.
Russians really like to test the perimeters, lol.
Remind us of what the overall dimensions are?
 

fabfourgirl1964

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It's 6 x 8 ft. and 18 inches in height. I have rock and thick landscaping plastic underneath the dirt with rock and brick around all sides!
 
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