I am thinking about building an outdoor enclosure for my Russian tortoise. Are railroad ties safe to use for a tortoise enclosure?
Yes they are safe, but they have a lot of nooks and crannies for tortoises to get a foot hold and russians are masters of escape. I would use something smoother, or have a completely covered and escape proof top.
Old ones don't smell. They are easier to climb like Tom said. I screw a board to the top to create an overhang and they have worked great for me.
Would it work if I lined it with something? I could also make a slight overhang on the top railroad ties.
I have heard that it's NOT a good idea to use railroad ties because of the creosote they're soaked in. Creosote will be harmful to the tortoise, and if it is fairly fresh, will soak down into the ground.