@amazindan@amazindan Check out the latest video of the pen, "Box turtle pens in the late spring". The turtles have never climbed out of their pens, but the lattice wall allowed them to stick their heads through and try to bite each other so I replaced those fences. But you are right, box turtles are great little climbers. The outer walls are high enough that they cannot climb out. The walls are about 20 inches high and have no toe holds to allow them to climb over.
@Reptileman110 It took quite a bit of planning, especially the water feature since there is underground plumbing and electrical for it. The worse of it was all the digging-any turtle enclosure must have the walls extend down at least 10-12 inches. We used a combination of pressure treated wood and metal sheeting. I would say-not counting the planning and buying of material, including the rocks, it was a 7-8 day job. Digging and laying the pond and stream was the most taxing!
I have observed wild box turtles eating blackberries in my home back east & going to plant many in my private park here in KC, Kansas. I don't have turtles now but maybe can establish some even if I over-winter adults indoors, that I find in late summer/fall. Love turtles!
Great job!! may i suggest an herb garden in there... parsley and mint they love .. some strawberry plants in 1 corner... stuff like that.... also I have 4 male bo xturtles and they are all best of freinds they have been together for 5 years .... I think they would be lonely if seperated!! they sit next to eac h other.. and sleep near a buddy... make it all 1 large pen and they all will be a lot happier.. they will work it out they are a lot nicer than people!
@thewulfone It's not hard to do and I have tips and advice on how to build it in my book, Box Turtles. It is published by TFH, Publications and can be purcahsed through Amazon.
@ boxturtlefriend Do you have a Facebook group? And if not, you most definately should make one! I'd join it in a heartbeat. I am on Facebook all the time and a group like this would be so beneficial.
@MrJollyJester that is so nice of you to say. I don't have a Facebook page for box turtles but I have an active YahooGroups emai list that you could join. Many knowledgeable owners are members and they give good advice and share great stories about their turtles. Sign up at my website.
@flamingacdc1 I think it might be about 250-300 sq feet including the small pond. It was made free-form using the lay of the land to help pick the boundaries.
I hibernate my turtles in a controled manner, in fact, I have a Youtube video of them in their hibernation boxes.
Native turtles can be hibernated in outdoor pens, but the person with the pen must make sure the conditions are right-never just think the turtles can figure it out for themselves. The outdoor pens should have a "hibernation pit" so the turtles can safely hibernate in it. I write about it in my book, Box Turtles, published by TFH, Inc.
@JonnyYang123 You are right :) How many times have I seen this video and not thought about it? Thanks for pointing it out and making me think about the beauty of nature today.
@neverbefree1000 You may have noticed, but there are shallow water dishes in each pen. You are correct- never, ever depend on just one water source. Our captive turtles depend on tus keepers to consider all risk factors and make sure they are always safe and well cared for.
I use a hibernation box and it is shown in one of my videos here too. Depending on where you live and how your outdoor pen is set up it may be OK to hibernate them outdoors-but in other situations it might be dangerous to hibernate there. After all-places in the pen may not be ideal and wouldn't be what a turtle would normally pick as a safe hibernation spot if it had free range and choice. Pls join my box turtle list on YahooGroups.
I created a site, showmyreptile com, where you can upload pics, videos, start discussions, chat w/ other members, and start groups. Looking for members, would love for you to join. Thanks!
Where do you live? I have a russian tortoise and have been dying to build him a outdoor pen as soon as we get enough space. But I live in Colorado and the winter here lasts much longer than most states. You say you use moist moss to hibernate them, I heard moist sand will work as well. By the way, absolutely beautiful habitat, I've seen your other videos. Great Job.
@jscurles187 Depending on where you live in Colorado-you can build an outdoor pen for your Russian Tortoise, after all, they come from arid steppes enviroments that would be somewhat mimiced in the foothills of CO. In the wild they hibenrated in burrows, so it would not be good to let them burrow into wet sand. Please talk to expert keepers of Russian tortoises before hibernating it. Since they hibernate in burrows in the wild-it doesn't sound like wet sand would be good. Good luck and thanks!
Also on my YouTube videos is a short video of my turtles hibernating in their hibernation box. The box is in a workshop that is heated to stay about 45-48 degrees. You can see it on the video with all the snow :)
@megatortoiselover Thanks for the compliment. I have made some changes since I made this video. Now the separators between the pens are made of solid wood with small "windows" of the open fencing.
I was thinking about getting a Russian Tortoise. Do you recommend an outdoor or indoor environment for it? Also, I live in central US, so we have really dry weather and sparse, heavy rains.
@TheATHF Russians are hardy tortoises from the steppes biome and cannot tolerate wet, very moist or even humid conditions. They like it dry-so depending on the season, you can have your tortoise outside when it is is dry, but must bring it indoors when you have prolong heavy rains. I suggest both an indoor and outdoor habitat. I like them a lot. A Russian pet care book would be helpful as these tortoise hibernate and you would need info on how to do it safely.
@TheATHF Yes, the Russian tortoise will hibernate 6-8 monthsdepending on location, but as captives in the USA, they should not be hibernated that long. A 3 months hibernation in a dry, cool area is enough. Outdoor hibernation is not safe as winters in the US are not like winters in the steppes. Join Kingsnake's Russian Tortoise forum if you decide to get a Russian tort.
Thanks mudkip96. It is best to provide an outdoor enclosure for North American box turtles whenever possible. They really need the exercise, sunlight and humidity that only a well planted and large outdoor pen can provide.
awesome pen, i am thinking of getting a baby box turtle in a reptile show. right now i have a diamondback terrapin which i caught, it is living in a 10 gallon with 2 big bowls which it could swim in. i really think turtle are cool pets so i want to get another, should i get another water turtle or a box turtle.
Be sure to read up on the care of baby box turtles and the diamondback terrapin. They both need special care. For one thing-diamondback terrapins need brackish water to do well-which I suppose you know if you got it from the wild. And baby box turtles take a lot of effort since their diet is important of healthy growth and humidity must be maintained for good shell development. I would advise a captive breed Russian Tortoise. They are small, do well with drier humidity, and mostly herbivorous.
That's beautiful. I have an ornate box turtle who all he has right now is a 55 gallon terrarium and a 100 gallon pond (sand, only small basking pool obviously)
I am 17 and should be moving out of the house by the time I am 19, so if I still have my turtle by the time I'm 20ish I'll think about making him an outdoor enclosure.
Thank you. A 55 gallon terrarrium canmake a fine home as long as you give it the right bedding, hides, water dish, lights and heat. Zoos have them in tanks all the time, but they fix them up so they work for the turtles. You can too if you learn what box turtles needs to be happy. And you should have your turtle for a long time unless it is already 70 years old-that's because their lifespan is very long. So start designing his pen in your mind :)
I am thinking about getting one. and I was wondering... From ur video it looks like they could go anywhere in the yard if they wanted to.... does that mean running away is a possablity?
My turtles cannot escape their pens. If they could get out, they would run away. They may stick around, or come back to the area, but unlike pet dogs or cats, they do not associate their pens (even after years) with "home". And they do not associate their owners as beloved buddies. They get used to their owners and know we give them food, but they do not live in groups in the wild, so they do not form a bond to an individual. My enjoyment come from keeping them healthy and content.
lol tht is really cool i had a box turtle when i wa little and i named him or her i was not sure but i named it speedy and i keep it in a box with water dirt and rocks and it like id alot and it was pretty big i could fit in the box
My box turtle is in a small place and he's about a month old and he loves it there sometimes i let him out and i'll watch him and he runs around and he seems to like that because the end of the day he sleeps like a baby.
most box turltes enjoy food that is for water turtles. they will eat any form of a worm, slug etc. try putting it's food in water, mine seems to enjoy that.
@lyraluvingsdale1 Lol! Mine loves having it's food put in the water also. We put about 3 super worms in and he chases after them, biting one, stamping on another with his feet. He loves it!
well my turtle shelly likes to eat worm and slugs the most and he will usually eat off rocks or any flat surface also if u just got it u should let it get used to its surroundigs before it eats.
Thanks, no I am not a breeder. Our state regs forbids the mixing of the genders and we cannot breed box turtles. Too bad, now people who really want them wil continue to get themout of the wild, which is such a bad thing to do, as will as illegal in my state.
Most cats will not bother box turtles but there have been cases where cats have killed and eaten a head or leg. So yes, I would keep a close eye on the cat(s) at first to be sure it wasn't one of those which will kill a box turtle. I would never trust a dog-even your pet dog who wouldn't hurt a flea. I have heard too many sad stories from owners who thought their turtles were safe, only to learn the hard way that their dog chewed on their turtle. If a dog get bores, it looks for a chew toy.
No, because they have different habitat requirements and are from different continents. A person should never mix their reptiles species-that is just asking for trouble. The iguana will not eat the turtle, they are basically vegetarians, but a turtle will try to eat a sickly iguana and may get sick too. And the turtle may try to eat iguana poo-it is just an unsanitary situation no matter how you look at it.
Any small turtles should be kept in a pen that protects them from ALL predators, large birds, small chipmunks, dogs, cats, rodents. My turtles are large enough that they would not be eaten by a bird in my area, but if I had to deal with cranes, herons, etc. I would want more protection, too. My pen is too big and abstract in shape for chicken wire, but I could add poles that extended the height of the pen and use thick mesh to keep out the birds-just like they do for avaries.
ive always wanted to build something like this..the only thing i would do different is cover the entire enclosure in something like chicken wire..the last thing you need is a bird to come down and grab youre turtle..ive seen birds big enough where i live (near the everglades) that would be able to just snag my turtle
Kiasko- thanks for a good question! We use a gas powered weed wacker to cut the grass and weeds in the turtle pens. An electric one would work good too since it is not a huge area. The turtle are not in the pens when we cut the grass but remain in their night time pens.
North AMerican box turtles are not aquatic and as you can see from the video, they are not able to get into the pond, only the shallow pools along the stream. However, many Asian box turtles are aquatic and will do well with a large swimming area. Be sure to know what species of box turtles you have and make the proper housing. Read more about it from my free website.
Your turtles will be more active in a large pen-but beware of raccoons and other predators. Notice my night time pens where I "lock" my turtles up each night. If turtles are left in open pens in areas with raccoons, they will find them and kill and eat tthe turtles. Trust me-it's happened to several people I know-I don't want anyone losing their turtles after seeing my large open pens only-view the piece to the very end and see my night time pens.
Box turtle are not meant for ponds-they are not strong swimmers. A better turtle for you would be to adopt a rescued red-eared slider. They will fo fine with fancy goldfish as long as they have a log to crawl on to bask inthe sun. Feed the turtles floating aquatic turtle pellets so they won't be hungry enough to go after the goldfish. If you get small goldfish, they may try to eat them if they are hungry. Feed red-eared sliders daily.
Pretty! My turtle has an enclosure outside but when we get my new one today (I had one, but she died) she's going to be housed inside for the winter.
sterlingkrazy 2 weeks ago
Wow im surprised your turtles dont escape? Box turtles can very easy climb those fences and walls.
amazindan 1 month ago
@amazindan @amazindan Check out the latest video of the pen, "Box turtle pens in the late spring". The turtles have never climbed out of their pens, but the lattice wall allowed them to stick their heads through and try to bite each other so I replaced those fences. But you are right, box turtles are great little climbers. The outer walls are high enough that they cannot climb out. The walls are about 20 inches high and have no toe holds to allow them to climb over.
boxturtlefriend 1 month ago
I agree, they are fabulous climbers, be careful.
TheThompsr 1 month ago
wow thats sooooooo good how long did it take u, prob took a long time to make it
Reptileman110 3 months ago
@Reptileman110 It took quite a bit of planning, especially the water feature since there is underground plumbing and electrical for it. The worse of it was all the digging-any turtle enclosure must have the walls extend down at least 10-12 inches. We used a combination of pressure treated wood and metal sheeting. I would say-not counting the planning and buying of material, including the rocks, it was a 7-8 day job. Digging and laying the pond and stream was the most taxing!
boxturtlefriend 1 month ago
at the beginning i thought someone was pissing apart from that it looks really good!
thedinosaur446 4 months ago
I have observed wild box turtles eating blackberries in my home back east & going to plant many in my private park here in KC, Kansas. I don't have turtles now but maybe can establish some even if I over-winter adults indoors, that I find in late summer/fall. Love turtles!
kybo61 5 months ago
Great job!! may i suggest an herb garden in there... parsley and mint they love .. some strawberry plants in 1 corner... stuff like that.... also I have 4 male bo xturtles and they are all best of freinds they have been together for 5 years .... I think they would be lonely if seperated!! they sit next to eac h other.. and sleep near a buddy... make it all 1 large pen and they all will be a lot happier.. they will work it out they are a lot nicer than people!
arwhentruelove 5 months ago
I like your pen. I want to build one.
thewulfone 7 months ago
@thewulfone It's not hard to do and I have tips and advice on how to build it in my book, Box Turtles. It is published by TFH, Publications and can be purcahsed through Amazon.
boxturtlefriend 7 months ago
@ boxturtlefriend Do you have a Facebook group? And if not, you most definately should make one! I'd join it in a heartbeat. I am on Facebook all the time and a group like this would be so beneficial.
MrJollyJester 7 months ago
@MrJollyJester that is so nice of you to say. I don't have a Facebook page for box turtles but I have an active YahooGroups emai list that you could join. Many knowledgeable owners are members and they give good advice and share great stories about their turtles. Sign up at my website.
boxturtlefriend 7 months ago
I have a Facebook page for boxturtlelist, now. Please "like" it.
boxturtlefriend 1 month ago
how many sq feet is it?
flamingacdc1 7 months ago
@flamingacdc1 I think it might be about 250-300 sq feet including the small pond. It was made free-form using the lay of the land to help pick the boundaries.
boxturtlefriend 7 months ago
I hibernate my turtles in a controled manner, in fact, I have a Youtube video of them in their hibernation boxes.
Native turtles can be hibernated in outdoor pens, but the person with the pen must make sure the conditions are right-never just think the turtles can figure it out for themselves. The outdoor pens should have a "hibernation pit" so the turtles can safely hibernate in it. I write about it in my book, Box Turtles, published by TFH, Inc.
boxturtlefriend 8 months ago
I wish i could have that for my turtle :p
fasshiongirl95 8 months ago
Comment removed
kevbo7s 10 months ago
nice a rainbow appeared at 0:29 lol
JonnyYang123 10 months ago
@JonnyYang123 You are right :) How many times have I seen this video and not thought about it? Thanks for pointing it out and making me think about the beauty of nature today.
boxturtlefriend 10 months ago
@boxturtlefriend hey dude what if its to hot and the water thing breaks then what?
neverbefree1000 7 months ago
@neverbefree1000 You may have noticed, but there are shallow water dishes in each pen. You are correct- never, ever depend on just one water source. Our captive turtles depend on tus keepers to consider all risk factors and make sure they are always safe and well cared for.
boxturtlefriend 6 months ago
Nice pen! Just a question, how do you hibernate box turtles?
I have 2, and they're in an outdoor pen right now. Should i bring them in when winter arrives, or should i leave them out there, with some hide outs?
321Bizzare 10 months ago
I use a hibernation box and it is shown in one of my videos here too. Depending on where you live and how your outdoor pen is set up it may be OK to hibernate them outdoors-but in other situations it might be dangerous to hibernate there. After all-places in the pen may not be ideal and wouldn't be what a turtle would normally pick as a safe hibernation spot if it had free range and choice. Pls join my box turtle list on YahooGroups.
boxturtlefriend 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I created a site, showmyreptile com, where you can upload pics, videos, start discussions, chat w/ other members, and start groups. Looking for members, would love for you to join. Thanks!
showmyreptiledotcom 10 months ago
sooo greeen!! AWESOME
Cryptocaryon 11 months ago
i have a box turtle too
creepything 1 year ago
Where do you live? I have a russian tortoise and have been dying to build him a outdoor pen as soon as we get enough space. But I live in Colorado and the winter here lasts much longer than most states. You say you use moist moss to hibernate them, I heard moist sand will work as well. By the way, absolutely beautiful habitat, I've seen your other videos. Great Job.
jscurles187 1 year ago
@jscurles187 Depending on where you live in Colorado-you can build an outdoor pen for your Russian Tortoise, after all, they come from arid steppes enviroments that would be somewhat mimiced in the foothills of CO. In the wild they hibenrated in burrows, so it would not be good to let them burrow into wet sand. Please talk to expert keepers of Russian tortoises before hibernating it. Since they hibernate in burrows in the wild-it doesn't sound like wet sand would be good. Good luck and thanks!
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
Also on my YouTube videos is a short video of my turtles hibernating in their hibernation box. The box is in a workshop that is heated to stay about 45-48 degrees. You can see it on the video with all the snow :)
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
what do you do for the winter???
icesk8ter326 1 year ago
thats an awesome habitat!!!!!!
megatortoiselover 1 year ago
@megatortoiselover Thanks for the compliment. I have made some changes since I made this video. Now the separators between the pens are made of solid wood with small "windows" of the open fencing.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
thats an awesome habitat how many u got?
billnyesyourmom 1 year ago
@billnyesyourmom I shouldn't say, but they are all registered with the state and micro-chipped and vet checked yearly.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
Im exited o-o
MrWebon 1 year ago
DUDE NiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiCE VIDEO I LOVE TURTELS OMG ( . Y . )
FRiiSKYBiiTCHES 1 year ago
You did a fabulous job! Come and design one for me now. =^)
marsusday 1 year ago
@marsusday
Thanks! I have lots of ideas in my book for good outdoor habitats so now anyone can build one :)
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
That habitat is off the hook beautiful.
rocketdog619 1 year ago
@rocketdog619 Thank you :) I have since replaced the white fencing material with wood so it looks more natural now.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
I was thinking about getting a Russian Tortoise. Do you recommend an outdoor or indoor environment for it? Also, I live in central US, so we have really dry weather and sparse, heavy rains.
TheATHF 1 year ago
@TheATHF Russians are hardy tortoises from the steppes biome and cannot tolerate wet, very moist or even humid conditions. They like it dry-so depending on the season, you can have your tortoise outside when it is is dry, but must bring it indoors when you have prolong heavy rains. I suggest both an indoor and outdoor habitat. I like them a lot. A Russian pet care book would be helpful as these tortoise hibernate and you would need info on how to do it safely.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
@boxturtlefriend Yeah don't they hibernate for like all but 4 months of the year?
TheATHF 1 year ago
@TheATHF Yes, the Russian tortoise will hibernate 6-8 monthsdepending on location, but as captives in the USA, they should not be hibernated that long. A 3 months hibernation in a dry, cool area is enough. Outdoor hibernation is not safe as winters in the US are not like winters in the steppes. Join Kingsnake's Russian Tortoise forum if you decide to get a Russian tort.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
@boxturtlefriend Okay. Than you VERY much for the help! Henry will be happy to know that he'll be safe... Hopefully. :S
TheATHF 1 year ago
wow giving your turtle an out door home looks really neat an exotic!
mudkip96 1 year ago
Thanks mudkip96. It is best to provide an outdoor enclosure for North American box turtles whenever possible. They really need the exercise, sunlight and humidity that only a well planted and large outdoor pen can provide.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
nice nice :)
cocacole22 1 year ago
awesome pen, i am thinking of getting a baby box turtle in a reptile show. right now i have a diamondback terrapin which i caught, it is living in a 10 gallon with 2 big bowls which it could swim in. i really think turtle are cool pets so i want to get another, should i get another water turtle or a box turtle.
ljisbusy 1 year ago
Be sure to read up on the care of baby box turtles and the diamondback terrapin. They both need special care. For one thing-diamondback terrapins need brackish water to do well-which I suppose you know if you got it from the wild. And baby box turtles take a lot of effort since their diet is important of healthy growth and humidity must be maintained for good shell development. I would advise a captive breed Russian Tortoise. They are small, do well with drier humidity, and mostly herbivorous.
boxturtlefriend 1 year ago
that looks cool
G0TH1C42009 2 years ago
That's beautiful. I have an ornate box turtle who all he has right now is a 55 gallon terrarium and a 100 gallon pond (sand, only small basking pool obviously)
I am 17 and should be moving out of the house by the time I am 19, so if I still have my turtle by the time I'm 20ish I'll think about making him an outdoor enclosure.
iHabika 2 years ago
Thank you. A 55 gallon terrarrium canmake a fine home as long as you give it the right bedding, hides, water dish, lights and heat. Zoos have them in tanks all the time, but they fix them up so they work for the turtles. You can too if you learn what box turtles needs to be happy. And you should have your turtle for a long time unless it is already 70 years old-that's because their lifespan is very long. So start designing his pen in your mind :)
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
That is a beautiful set-up!
LisaLW2001 2 years ago
I am thinking about getting one. and I was wondering... From ur video it looks like they could go anywhere in the yard if they wanted to.... does that mean running away is a possablity?
njwfunmaster 2 years ago
My turtles cannot escape their pens. If they could get out, they would run away. They may stick around, or come back to the area, but unlike pet dogs or cats, they do not associate their pens (even after years) with "home". And they do not associate their owners as beloved buddies. They get used to their owners and know we give them food, but they do not live in groups in the wild, so they do not form a bond to an individual. My enjoyment come from keeping them healthy and content.
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
One of my Turtles Ran away she was my Faved one also.
MuslimNinjaAssassin 2 years ago
wow...what a gorgeous set up! I'd love to be able to make somethin' like this for my turtles. Great job!
butchiesbrat 2 years ago
lol tht is really cool i had a box turtle when i wa little and i named him or her i was not sure but i named it speedy and i keep it in a box with water dirt and rocks and it like id alot and it was pretty big i could fit in the box
skateingydg 2 years ago
My box turtle is in a small place and he's about a month old and he loves it there sometimes i let him out and i'll watch him and he runs around and he seems to like that because the end of the day he sleeps like a baby.
gabycar8 2 years ago
i have one and we lost it for four days and we finally found it near our house when we thought it would be long gone :)
Jackd4jt 2 years ago
lol same here
kyleray1234 2 years ago
my box turtle doesnt seem like its eating?? im not sure if it is? what should i put its food in? and what is their favorite food???
ltdricks 2 years ago
most box turltes enjoy food that is for water turtles. they will eat any form of a worm, slug etc. try putting it's food in water, mine seems to enjoy that.
lyraluvingsdale1 2 years ago
@lyraluvingsdale1 Lol! Mine loves having it's food put in the water also. We put about 3 super worms in and he chases after them, biting one, stamping on another with his feet. He loves it!
Usagibunnneh 1 year ago
well my turtle shelly likes to eat worm and slugs the most and he will usually eat off rocks or any flat surface also if u just got it u should let it get used to its surroundigs before it eats.
HeAtHeR19200 2 years ago
What type of box turtles do you have and what state you in? I never heard of not allowing mix genders together.
Starcraft2488 2 years ago
Yes, there are some states that have regulations that the two genders must be kept apart, ie, no breeding is allowed.
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
Thanks, no I am not a breeder. Our state regs forbids the mixing of the genders and we cannot breed box turtles. Too bad, now people who really want them wil continue to get themout of the wild, which is such a bad thing to do, as will as illegal in my state.
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
awsome enclosures. are you a breeder? if so, what kind of box turtles do you breed?
shallcross24 2 years ago
Most cats will not bother box turtles but there have been cases where cats have killed and eaten a head or leg. So yes, I would keep a close eye on the cat(s) at first to be sure it wasn't one of those which will kill a box turtle. I would never trust a dog-even your pet dog who wouldn't hurt a flea. I have heard too many sad stories from owners who thought their turtles were safe, only to learn the hard way that their dog chewed on their turtle. If a dog get bores, it looks for a chew toy.
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
would you trust it with an iguana
dragonmasterangelo11 3 years ago
No, because they have different habitat requirements and are from different continents. A person should never mix their reptiles species-that is just asking for trouble. The iguana will not eat the turtle, they are basically vegetarians, but a turtle will try to eat a sickly iguana and may get sick too. And the turtle may try to eat iguana poo-it is just an unsanitary situation no matter how you look at it.
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
oh ok
dragonmasterangelo11 2 years ago
BilsonM,
Any small turtles should be kept in a pen that protects them from ALL predators, large birds, small chipmunks, dogs, cats, rodents. My turtles are large enough that they would not be eaten by a bird in my area, but if I had to deal with cranes, herons, etc. I would want more protection, too. My pen is too big and abstract in shape for chicken wire, but I could add poles that extended the height of the pen and use thick mesh to keep out the birds-just like they do for avaries.
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
ive always wanted to build something like this..the only thing i would do different is cover the entire enclosure in something like chicken wire..the last thing you need is a bird to come down and grab youre turtle..ive seen birds big enough where i live (near the everglades) that would be able to just snag my turtle
BilsonM 3 years ago
would a cat attack a turttle cuz my tutle is geting big and we might make somtin like that but we got a cat to soo yea
coolrats27 3 years ago
Very nice. It takes hard work, patience, and creativity to build a landscape for a pet. Awesome.
pondheart 3 years ago
Kiasko- thanks for a good question! We use a gas powered weed wacker to cut the grass and weeds in the turtle pens. An electric one would work good too since it is not a huge area. The turtle are not in the pens when we cut the grass but remain in their night time pens.
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
how do u keep the grass short?
Kiasko 3 years ago
North AMerican box turtles are not aquatic and as you can see from the video, they are not able to get into the pond, only the shallow pools along the stream. However, many Asian box turtles are aquatic and will do well with a large swimming area. Be sure to know what species of box turtles you have and make the proper housing. Read more about it from my free website.
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
Box turtles arent reallt aqautic, eh they prefer land but you made good setups hope they live long and healthy lifes!
AroundTheCorner1 3 years ago
:OOOOOOOO~!!
Domesku 3 years ago
Your turtles will be more active in a large pen-but beware of raccoons and other predators. Notice my night time pens where I "lock" my turtles up each night. If turtles are left in open pens in areas with raccoons, they will find them and kill and eat tthe turtles. Trust me-it's happened to several people I know-I don't want anyone losing their turtles after seeing my large open pens only-view the piece to the very end and see my night time pens.
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
That's awesome, you have inspired me to get busy on new pens for our turtles.
optimusjd 3 years ago
Have you made your turtle new pens? please show us :)
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
how big do box turtles grow i want a small turtle for my pond to live with fancy goldfish
sajeevan1 2 years ago
Box turtle are not meant for ponds-they are not strong swimmers. A better turtle for you would be to adopt a rescued red-eared slider. They will fo fine with fancy goldfish as long as they have a log to crawl on to bask inthe sun. Feed the turtles floating aquatic turtle pellets so they won't be hungry enough to go after the goldfish. If you get small goldfish, they may try to eat them if they are hungry. Feed red-eared sliders daily.
boxturtlefriend 2 years ago
wow thats huge!!!!!
Smileymiley19 3 years ago
Those ARE great! They're perfect! ;3
iSharki 3 years ago
Thank you. The turtles love them and isn't that what it's all about? :)
boxturtlefriend 3 years ago
OH YEAH! :D
iSharki 3 years ago