Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
I've noticed that my box turtle has not had enough room in her current terrarium and I have read up on some things about keeping your box turtle in a fenced in area outside. Does anyone recommend this? I have a pretty nice sized fenced area that's about 10ftx10ft and I've put a few log hides in there as well as a basking rock inside. I also added a full-time water source and a food bowl for her. There are some leafy areas where she can burrow as well.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
I know you need to be cognizant of the threat of predators on the ground as well as in the air when housing them outside. They will burrow underneath any fenced area that isn’t substantially at least a foot underground. Potential for escaping the fenced area has to be dealt with effectively. Groundhogs , feral cats , foxes, raccoons will all attack and kill turtles and feed on them. Hawks, buzzards, birds of prey also.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Aspen0122
I've noticed that my box turtle has not had enough room in her current terrarium and I have read up on some things about keeping your box turtle in a fenced in area outside. Does anyone recommend this? I have a pretty nice sized fenced area that's about 10ftx10ft and I've put a few log hides in there as well as a basking rock inside. I also added a full-time water source and a food bowl for her. There are some leafy areas where she can burrow as well.
Where do you live? Your climate is an important consideration. In some climates, your box turtle could probably live outside year-round. In others, maybe only during the summer.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Homebody
Where do you live? Your climate is an important consideration. In some climates, your box turtle could probably live outside year-round. In others, maybe only during the summer.
Southeastern United States. I am going to bring her inside the garage with a heat lamp in the winter.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Albert Clark
I know you need to be cognizant of the threat of predators on the ground as well as in the air when housing them outside. They will burrow underneath any fenced area that isn’t substantially at least a foot underground. Potential for escaping the fenced area has to be dealt with effectively. Groundhogs , feral cats , foxes, raccoons will all attack and kill turtles and feed on them. Hawks, buzzards, birds of prey also.
Hoping to have a roof over it to prevent hawks and other raptors from coming in. Also, we have the fence a couple feet underground as well.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
What is Waffles species? Apparently, there are several. I don't know that it matters, but it might.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Aspen0122
Southeastern United States. I am going to bring her inside the garage with a heat lamp in the winter.
I would imagine that most box turtles could live year-round outdoors in the southeastern U.S., even if they had to hibernate.
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Homebody
What is Waffles species? Apparently, there are
several. I don't know that it matters, but it might.
Waffles is an Eastern Box Turtle
Re: Need some pointers for a bigger enclosure...
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Homebody
I would imagine that most box turtles could live year-round outdoors in the southeastern U.S., even if they had to hibernate.
Also, I do know that they hibernate, but sometimes the winters can get a little harsh, like last year, our chickens froze to death, so I'm going to take some extra precautions.
