Tortoise Pens on Hillside

[Mike Renau]

I would like to get more of my tortoises outdoors now that it's warming up here in SoCal. For some of the older ones I would like to set up permanent outdoor enclosures. Problem is that I have a big Sulcata that roams the backyard,and a few Mediterranean species I keep in a large planter which leaves only the hillside behind the house. I have been scratching my head since we moved into this home years ago as to how I can make use of the hillside but haven't been able to come up with anything. Has anyone ever successfully built pens on a hillside that can give me some advice? Is this idea not recommended in the first place? The hill is on a slope of around 30 degrees which is close to being a little too steep but I know certain species would do well in that environment.

 

[Yvonne G]

It would be a big undertaking, but you could terrace sections of it

 

[Mike Renau]

It would be a big undertaking, but you could terrace sections of it

That's what I figured. I was trying to avoid having to terrace sections because the soil is very rocky so it's not easy digging in to.

 

[Tom]

I try to incorporate hillsides into my enclosures whenever I can. It keeps them fit and I have never had one fall down. Should be fine for any species. Galapagos tortoises walk up and down the side of mountains and volcanos daily.

 

[Bane]

Npa

 

[ethan508]

Could you terrace by adding dirt instead of removing it? Dirt ain't cheap but if you are rocky additive landscaping is easier than excavation.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

I personally like the idea of a hillside enclosures. You could plateau a few sections but like Tom, I think the hills would be fine for them.