Your Reptile and Amphibian Resource and Information Site

Back to Tortoises Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area  

Tortoises Forum

04alexmom   Dinkanber   04alexmom   RepticTay   Retic Ric   Dinkanber   Carpondro17   04alexmom   RepticTay   04alexmom   RepticTay   Herphappy  
 Member  Message

 #1740499


04alexmom
View Profile

 Outdoor tort table question..

I’ve read about using tort tables and since I’m moving I can finally make one for my Russian, but I was wondering about when it rains.. the tort table will be out doors like the title says, I know I need liner, but what about drainage? I plan to put it out on the balcony since we won’t be using it so it wont be covered and other animals can get to it. Any ideas about drainage or should I bring my tort indoors when it rains?

Thanx
05/19/08  07:35pm

 #1740511


Dinkanber
View Profile



   Message To: 04alexmom   In reference to Message Id: 1740499


 Outdoor tort table question..

tables are more for inside ..Outside you can make a yard easy for him.

I got all those bricks at home depot for about $30.
05/19/08  07:39pm

 #1740858


04alexmom
View Profile



   Message To: Dinkanber   In reference to Message Id: 1740511


 Outdoor tort table question..

Well, I’m making him a tort table because here isn’t much grass in the yard to make an enclosure like yours, plus I have a 4 year old so I don’t want Tuddle where my son can mess w/ him. Im going to get a book case and line it then put the 50/50 mix in most of it but on part of it I will just put soil and sod on top for his grassy food area.

With that said how would I deal w/ the rain when that time comes, I don’t want my torts enclosure turning into a muddy mess or have him drown. Would I have to bring him in to his indoor enclosure, or can I drill holes to allow water to drain?
05/19/08  11:34pm

 #1740977


RepticTay
View Profile



   Message To: 04alexmom   In reference to Message Id: 1740858


 Outdoor tort table question..

Hi, you dont need grass for an enclosure lol! many people just have a standard outdoor habitat with plants or just soil in.
Mine only have grass cuz i cant put my cage in the soil areas of my grandparents garden.
what you could do is do a basic enclosure, and just dig a hole and plant some grass or something.
Or, just use an indoor rabbit cage as a combination to an outdor and indoor cage...it works very well.

Anyhow, i have seen and herd of box turtle habitats outdoors which is a Tortoise Table Outdoor Enclosure type thing. And they have had no problems with rain or anything like that.
However, i would not suggest leaving your tortoise out when it rains unless the rain is warm or fine and not heavy and cold.

I guess, if you put a few holes here and there to allow water drainage, tha tmay help.

Im not expert but wanted to input.
05/20/08  05:40am

 #1746338


Retic Ric
View Profile



   Message To: RepticTay   In reference to Message Id: 1740977


 Outdoor tort table question..

why couldn’t you build a canopy over your table......
05/25/08  08:42pm

 #1746934


Dinkanber
View Profile



   Message To: Retic Ric   In reference to Message Id: 1746338


 Outdoor tort table question..

Quote:

With that said how would I deal w/ the rain when that time comes, I don’t want my torts enclosure turning into a muddy mess or have him drown



this is why its not that good of an idea and yes you dont have to have grass.Its good for them to eat grass but its not a must in your yard..you could always plant grass in your yard

Also your wood is gonna rott out and sealing it with a water proffer isnt the best idea with a tort IMO
05/26/08  12:59pm

 #1747022


Carpondro17
View Profile



   Message To: Dinkanber   In reference to Message Id: 1740511


 Outdoor tort table question..

Thats a pretty cool outside enclosure gives me some ideas :)
05/26/08  02:18pm

 #1747646


04alexmom
View Profile



   Message To: Carpondro17   In reference to Message Id: 1747022


 Outdoor tort table question..

This is similar to what I had in mind for an outdoor enclosure..

http://www.russiantortoisepictures.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=965&g2_page=2

I’m not going to use any water proof sealant, I’m meant liner as in pond liner or something similar. I can make a cover for the enclosure, that isn’t a problem, I just wanted other opinions. If I could make a regular enclosure in the grass I would, but that isn’t an option due to lack of grass, my 4 yr old and a dog in the not so distant future. I have a nice indoor enclosure, but I know Torts need as much sun light and natural heat as possible.

Thanx for your opinions, moving day is almost here. :)



05/26/08  11:25pm

 #1747807


RepticTay
View Profile



   Message To: 04alexmom   In reference to Message Id: 1747646


 Outdoor tort table question..

Thats pretty neat!
although russians are diggers, if your not having a base for the outdoor enclosure you best dig the enclosure down in the soil at least 6inches.
05/27/08  06:55am

 #1748391


04alexmom
View Profile



   Message To: RepticTay   In reference to Message Id: 1747807


 Outdoor tort table question..

Yeah, that’s what I plan to do, I can put chicken wire on the botton and partially up the sides.



05/27/08  07:10pm

 #1748964


RepticTay
View Profile



   Message To: 04alexmom   In reference to Message Id: 1748391


 Outdoor tort table question..

thats brilliant!

You’ll have to show us when its setup!
05/28/08  08:54am

 #1749491


Herphappy
View Profile



   Message To: RepticTay   In reference to Message Id: 1748964


 Outdoor tort table question..

I live in an apartment but i also made an outdoor tort table for my russians. I lay wired mesh on top to keep other animals out. At night I cover it with a thick fleece blanket and that totally traps the heat in. I have a separate enclosure for inside just in case of heavy downpour but during light sprinkles i just cover the top with a tarp. I also have lighting and heat set up in my outdoor enclosure with an extension chord in case it does get too cold but during heavy downpour that’s an issue, so i just bring them inside.
05/28/08  07:33pm


Back to Tortoises Forum   Forums   Home   Members Area