Outdoor Tortoise/Box Turtle Enclosure - Work in Progress

Joined
Jul 6, 2016
Messages
33
Location (City and/or State)
El Paso, TX
In this thread I will be posting pictures of our outdoor enclosure. From the very beginning to all the changes we may make in the future. I started Mid-June with just a wooden box 4'x8'x18'' with some chicken wire stapled to the base (pointed edges all on outside lip so they can't hurt themselves). It is very arid here in West Texas so I added soil and will add grasses and different plants in the future. I also intend to add a stream which leads to a small pond, since I don't have too much space. I'm excited for this project and it's already turning in our favor. Pics will come very soon.

I will post pictures every time something is added to the enclosure. Thanks for watching! Enjoy!

And I am open to all ideas and feedback.
 
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Rue

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Looking forward to seeing photos!
 

Gillian M

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In this thread I will be posting pictures of our outdoor enclosure. From the very beginning to all the changes we may make in the future. I started Mid-June with just a wooden box 4'x8'x18'' with some chicken wire stapled to the base (pointed edges all on outside lip so they can't hurt themselves). It is very arid here in West Texas so I added soil and will add grasses and different plants in the future. I also intend to add a stream which leads to a small pond, since I don't have too much space. I'm excited for this project and it's already turning in our favor. Pics will come very soon.

I will post pictures every time something is added to the enclosure. Thanks for watching! Enjoy!

And I am open to all ideas and feedback.
Can't wait to see the pics! And good luck.
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2016
Messages
33
Location (City and/or State)
El Paso, TX
20160624_113656.jpg Here are the first pictures I could find, very basic with dry Sand and two plants. Since these pictures were taken I've watered alot and it is more humid.
20160624_113714.jpg
Here are 3 more updated pics below. They have a water bowl, not visible in these pics.
20160706_115829.jpg
20160706_115830.jpg 20160706_115834.jpg
More to come soon!
I will be adding more soil for the moist side and would like some plant recomendations and grasses. I am also currently working on building a hinged roof with some leftover fence I had stapled to wood. For now it is just thrown over the top.
 

Gillian M

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5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
View attachment 179501 Here are the first pictures I could find, very basic with dry Sand and two plants. Since these pictures were taken I've watered alot and it is more humid.
View attachment 179502
Here are 3 more updated pics below. They have a water bowl, not visible in these pics.
View attachment 179503
View attachment 179504 View attachment 179505
More to come soon!
I will be adding more soil for the moist side and would like some plant recomendations and grasses. I am also currently working on building a hinged roof with some leftover fence I had stapled to wood. For now it is just thrown over the top.

Congratulations! A well done job, and must have been a tiring one too. But worth it, right?
 
Joined
Jul 6, 2016
Messages
33
Location (City and/or State)
El Paso, TX
Finally finished both roof panels, so the actual enclosure is finished! Now just to add plants and flowing water besides that water bowl I have to keep changing. I made a huge mistake and had to remove the tomato plants that i found out are poisonous to my torts.
I added hinges to the roof so it is easy to open and close. Now the enclosure is about 2 1/2' tall. What do y'all think?
 

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Speedy-1

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St. David Arizona
You did a nice job Samantha !
t2037.gif
 
Joined
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Messages
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Location (City and/or State)
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It's been a while, I've made some upgrades for my Lil guys.
Made a concrete pond for them to hydrate themselves, added some strawberry plants and lemon grass. Also made a very sturdy rock cave that will not cave in on them, one of them made it their permanent home.
 

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