My husband and I are experiencing severe financial difficulties, but that isn't our tortoise's problem, or shouldn't be, at any rate. Though we can't afford little more than food and good lighting, we did want to give them proper, summer enclosures...and we were able to without spending a cent and using what we had around. I feel as though sometimes, pet-owners can get a bit self-righteous in their attitudes, developing a "it's my way or give your pets to someone better than you" mentality...but that isn't always fair, or right. But sometimes tort-owners don't need much money to give their pets what is needed. So whether one wants to be earth-conscious or money-wise, maybe this will inspire some ideas for others as well as more for ourselves.
We cut two large metal gates in half and used those to create a barrier between them and our dogs. We lined that on the inside with old concrete, garden edgers we found in our backyard, and separated the two pens with old wooden pilings also found on the property. We planted the pens with bishop's goutweed, hostas, and tons of giant dandelion and clover...also on our property. Some hugely thick slate pieces and rocks we found were also thrown in, as well as a cracked flower pot for a Hermann hide.
No, they're not perfect...and yes, I realize not at all sufficient for a Sulcata much older than our 3-year old Sig...but for this summer, it will suffice...provided we keep our male Hermann from digging out!
We cut two large metal gates in half and used those to create a barrier between them and our dogs. We lined that on the inside with old concrete, garden edgers we found in our backyard, and separated the two pens with old wooden pilings also found on the property. We planted the pens with bishop's goutweed, hostas, and tons of giant dandelion and clover...also on our property. Some hugely thick slate pieces and rocks we found were also thrown in, as well as a cracked flower pot for a Hermann hide.
No, they're not perfect...and yes, I realize not at all sufficient for a Sulcata much older than our 3-year old Sig...but for this summer, it will suffice...provided we keep our male Hermann from digging out!