First, as a reminder: All turtles and tortoises need access to natural unfiltered sunlight to maintain good health. The UVB rays of sunlight stimulate vitamin D production in the skin of turtles. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium in the diet from the digestive tract. The best artificial UVB lights are not an equal substitute for unfiltered sunlight. Sunlight must not be filtered through glass or any kind of glazing such as window panes or greenhouse panels. These things filter out most of the beneficial UVB rays of the sun.

Now that you have decided you want to adopt a land turtle or tortoise, you need make an outdoor enclosure for it. Ideally, escape proofing the fence around your backyard with wire would be great but not everyone can or desires to give their complete backyard to their turtles or tortoises. Although, if you are considering adopting a large tortoise species such as a Sulcata, you should seriously consider giving it a good portion of your yard if not all. Sulcatas can grow to be well over 150 pounds and need lots of room and enclosures that are heavily fortified.

After researching some basic requirements for the specific species you will be adopting, you may need some ideas before starting to build an outdoor enclosure.

1. If you decide on a wire enclosure the wire must be buried several inches under the ground surface to prevent turtles and small tortoises from digging out. Again, large species may need sides buried as much as 1 or 2 feet to keep them in. Wire may not work for them.

2. If you choose to leave the top open, you must bend the top of the wire over 3-4 inches to keep the climbers in. Many turtles are great climbers. A lip will keep them in.

3. If you have predators in your area such as raccoons, oppossums, rats and herons, etc. you might consider putting a top over the enclosure. Small turtles and tortoises are most at risk but it has been known for adults to be attacked also. Pet dogs must not be able to jump into enclosures or be allowed to see and bark at turtles or disturb them in any way. Dogs love to use turtles as chew bones. Turtles can be seriously injured and killed by seemingly small dogs.

4. If you decide on a wood enclosure, use of pressure treated wood is a must if you want it to last. Use wood that has not been treated with arsenic. Ask your local lumber supply about this.

5. Wood enclosures must have the sides buried and a top lip also to keep the diggers and climbers in.

6. Make sure wood enclosures have drainage holes of somekind to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

7. Plant your enclosure with appropriate non-toxic plants.

The following examples will hopefully help you come up with an enclosure that is right for your turtle or tortoise and you. Please contact GCTTS if you have any questions.