I put up 5'chain link around 2.6 ac. One expence I did not figgure was clearing the fence line! I was worn out before I started and a few grand over budget. My tortoises are not diggers so I did not put any of it underground. I have a friend that put 1 ft.under ground for Galup's. Very labor intensive. On my fence I put sheet metal at the bottom on the inside. Between the metal (1-2' high)I put this black shade cloth kinda stuff to keep the metal and chain link from rubbing against each other as not to cause ware/rust damage. It also looks better from your neighbors view point. Also along the bottom on the inside I placed landscape timbers. They will rot over time but startes a burm or build up of dirt that can be planted with seeds. This bottom metal has several purposes. Most animals on the outside tend to move along it rather than try to go umder. It will keep your torts from climbing up and turning over from being able to see that grass that is always greener on the other side. Some of the metal I used was from the walls of above ground swimming pools,cut long ways down the middle. No fun but a real money saver. People throw this stuff away all the time. 5v roof metal is also good for interior walls. Now to keep animals out. Ele.wire might work. Overhanging tree limbs,trees close to the fence is a way for entry.(I did not do this because I needed the shade.) Lastly, and this could be the "best"or "worst" thing you will ever do with tortoises, A DOG. Its the fine line bewteen stability and chaos.Here is what I did. I went to the animal shelter to pick out a big dog I thought could handle Racoons. I brought a tortoise with me and placed it in the fenced area they have for you to get to know the dog. This dog sniffed the tort then lost instrest. That was a good sign but not a sure thing. I took a lot of time handeling the tort.around the dog and felt OK about it. Most of the time Racoons avoid dogs so a walk around the fence line with the dog every so often helps when they leave a marker or two as they go. When its dry they will take chances with dogs. She's a keeper! Molly, A 90 lb.verifyed Racoon killer! Vic Morgan

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