Would This Enclosure Be Good For Three Russians?

[MichaelL]

I was looking on Craigslist and found this dog kennel, for $175. I have been wanting to give my russians an upgrade and was wondering if this would be good, and any adjustments I would have to make to it to accomodate them. I probably would have to make a covering, and something that doesn't allow them to see through for a foot or two high. Also, does the door area look big enough for a russian to squeeze through? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Carol S]

You will have to put something to prevent them from digging down and out along the inside of the fence perimeter. Regarding the door area, it is hard to tell from the picture. Perhaps measure the width of your tortoises to see if they will fit through. Russian tortoises are quite the escape artists.

 

[MichaelL]

You will have to put something to prevent them from digging down and out along the inside of the fence perimeter. Regarding the door area, it is hard to tell from the picture. Perhaps measure the width of your tortoises to see if they will fit through. Russian tortoises are quite the escape artists.

Alright, yeah digging would have to be prevented. Also, I meant I saw it on Craigslist, I don't have it yet so I wouldn't be able to measure the door.

 

[Tom]

You can use the same board that will serve as a visual barrier along the rest of the bottom to also block the door. Then, when you open the door (out only) there will always be a barrier. See what I've done here? The door is wide open, and tortoises can't get out:

 

[MichaelL]

You can use the same board that will serve as a visual barrier along the rest of the bottom to also block the door. Then, when you open the door (out only) there will always be a barrier. See what I've done here? The door is wide open, and tortoises can't get out:
View attachment 290575

Wow that’s great, I see exactly what you mean. Smart, thanks!

 

[Tom]

Wow that’s great, I see exactly what you mean. Smart, thanks!

Its just something I've always done. @Yvonne G came to visit me about three years ago and she commented on that idea too.

 

[silverbird]

I would not get that dog enclosure for your Russians, as you will run the risk of them trying to climb it and getting their legs caught in the fencing. You are better off using the money to build a wooden enclosure with a screen or netting cover. Take care and have a Happy Easter and be safe.

 

[MichaelL]

I would not get that dog enclosure for your Russians, as you will run the risk of them trying to climb it and getting their legs caught in the fencing. You are better off using the money to build a wooden enclosure with a screen or netting cover. Take care and have a Happy Easter and be safe.

Okay, thanks for your input. But if I did get that enclosure, I would put wood boards/ some visual and physical barrier for a foot or two up so they can't climb, or see through.

 

[jeneliza]

I was looking on Craigslist and found this dog kennel, for $175. I have been wanting to give my russians an upgrade and was wondering if this would be good, and any adjustments I would have to make to it to accomodate them. I probably would have to make a covering, and something that doesn't allow them to see through for a foot or two high. Also, does the door area look big enough for a russian to squeeze through? Thanks in advance for any help.

I have this for my dog, the gate door size depends on the size of the Russian, next you would probably want to dig a slot all the way around then place in the slot and cover it with the dirt, so they can not dig out, and yes it will need cover if in the sun, or at least part, plus the door doesn't work well after slots of use,I have had to repair the lacth a few times

 

[MichaelL]

I have this for my dog, the gate door size depends on the size of the Russian, next you would probably want to dig a slot all the way around then place in the slot and cover it with the dirt, so they can not dig out, and yes it will need cover if in the sun, or at least part, plus the door doesn't work well after slots of use,I have had to repair the lacth a few times

Wow thanks for this info!

 

[silverbird]

if you are going to have to put wood around the dog cage in order for it to be usable for your Russians; why not just build a wooden enclosure that you can make to your needs, and easier to get in and out of.

 

[Tom]

if you are going to have to put wood around the dog cage in order for it to be usable for your Russians; why not just build a wooden enclosure that you can make to your needs, and easier to get in and out of.

Because he will have the security of chain link all around and over the top. No predator will get in and no tortoise will get out, once he's done running some plywood around the bottom.