straw as an insulator?

Status
Not open for further replies.

ArkansasKelly

New Member
10 Year Member!
5 Year Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
286
Location (City and/or State)
NW Arkansas
Would it be a good idea to cover my boxie pen with straw? We have been darn right chilly here, but the boxies are still out. I was just wondering if straw would help. If not, what would you recommend?
 

egyptiandan

New Member
10 Year Member!
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2007
Messages
5,788
Location (City and/or State)
USA
I use leaves and/or pine needles for hibernacula with my box turtles.
Not sure about straw, though it might work. :D

Danny
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
I use the spillage from feeding the horses (alfalfa hay), which I would assume would be similar to straw. I think straw would be ok.

Yvonne
 

ArkansasKelly

New Member
10 Year Member!
5 Year Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
286
Location (City and/or State)
NW Arkansas
I've never had my boxies hibernate before so this is all new to me. I am going to have them go under in their pen. My dirt level is 18" and I have about 4" of mulch on top. That is why I was thinking about adding hay or straw over all that to help too. We can and do get to about 0 degrees once inawhile, so I just want them to be protected.

Would it be a good idea to cover their pen with a tarp or anything like that?

Thanks guys!
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
A plastic covering might act like a green house, making it too warm if the sun shines on it. Just leave it open, but pile up the mulch, garden trash and straw. But be sure the mulch doesn't come to the fence and make it easy for them to climb out.

Yvonne
 

ArkansasKelly

New Member
10 Year Member!
5 Year Member
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
286
Location (City and/or State)
NW Arkansas
emysemys said:
A plastic covering might act like a green house, making it too warm if the sun shines on it. Just leave it open, but pile up the mulch, garden trash and straw. But be sure the mulch doesn't come to the fence and make it easy for them to climb out.

Yvonne

Thanks Yvonne, I did not even think about the green house effect. Glad I asked. I will have to wait for the trees to turn to get leaves, but I will pile them on.

Thanks again
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

New Posts

Top