- Joined
- Jun 28, 2010
- Messages
- 132
I just completed the enclosure for my three RTs.
All of the wood is redwood and the footings are 12 inches deep of solid concrete. The walls are eclosed with galvanized wire mesh and the gate even has a self closing hinge along with a secure padlock (so my three year old son can't open it). I even dug down and installed a drain that connects to the main storm drain for our backyard. I overbuilt the heck out of this thing but I wanted to be absolutely sure they would be secure from escaping and secure from any possible predation. I used about 600 pounds of concrete for the post holes and footings. This thing is SOLID!
The hides in the pictures are made of poulty wire and mortar. These things are probably strong enough for a car to drive over. They are really fun to build and actually inexpensive. I am going to make a bigger and better one since I know a bit about how to construct them now.
I planted some edible dwarf aloe as well as elephant bush (Portulacaria afra). The enclosure is nestled next to a lemon tree and a fuerte avocado tree. Some squash plants are growing along the ground as well. Notice that they also have a feeding area as well as a nice shallow water dish. I will construct some sort of hinged top, or even make the top tall enough to walk in soon.
This project took quite a bit of work, and I am pretty happy with it. My three curious RTs seem to be enjoying the sunshine together. While I was working on this project the torties would often walk up to check out what I was doing. They are so curious and gutsy! Notice the major growth rings of the two females (the two on top) in the last picture. Both of them were smaller than the male last year.
Let me know what you think!
All of the wood is redwood and the footings are 12 inches deep of solid concrete. The walls are eclosed with galvanized wire mesh and the gate even has a self closing hinge along with a secure padlock (so my three year old son can't open it). I even dug down and installed a drain that connects to the main storm drain for our backyard. I overbuilt the heck out of this thing but I wanted to be absolutely sure they would be secure from escaping and secure from any possible predation. I used about 600 pounds of concrete for the post holes and footings. This thing is SOLID!
The hides in the pictures are made of poulty wire and mortar. These things are probably strong enough for a car to drive over. They are really fun to build and actually inexpensive. I am going to make a bigger and better one since I know a bit about how to construct them now.
I planted some edible dwarf aloe as well as elephant bush (Portulacaria afra). The enclosure is nestled next to a lemon tree and a fuerte avocado tree. Some squash plants are growing along the ground as well. Notice that they also have a feeding area as well as a nice shallow water dish. I will construct some sort of hinged top, or even make the top tall enough to walk in soon.
This project took quite a bit of work, and I am pretty happy with it. My three curious RTs seem to be enjoying the sunshine together. While I was working on this project the torties would often walk up to check out what I was doing. They are so curious and gutsy! Notice the major growth rings of the two females (the two on top) in the last picture. Both of them were smaller than the male last year.
Let me know what you think!
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