Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i've had my sulcata since he was 3 days old. he's now about 5 years old and about 50 pounds. he's in an outdoor pen but he keeps breakng out. the most recent fencing material is 24" steel spikes about 3/4" in diameter about 6-8" apart. he still manages to bulldoze his way between them, even though the're pounded half way into the ground. i will be moving soon and will be able to give him more space to roam, but need to know what the next fence should be made of, one that a 150-200 pound tortoise cant break through!

>>need to know what the next fence should be made of, one that a 150-200 pound tortoise cant break through!

Here is what I use: 6' board on board PT (pressure treated) privacy fence with 2' x 8' (one foot buried) PT plywood all around the base. NOT cheap or easy to do, but it works well. Hope that helps! (see pic for a tiny bit of the fence in the image)

Matt
p.s. - The female pictured is close to 100 pounds and has a BAD attitude, but the fence keeps her in and 'happy'. A sulcata that can 'see' out of their fence is NOT going to be content, ever.

my dad said that too, about him being able to see the rest of the yard. made him more anxious to get out. but money is an issue too. guess i dont have a choice...spend the money or find a drowned tortoise in the pool. thanks for the advice!

>>but money is an issue too. guess i dont have a choice...spend the money or find a drowned tortoise in the pool.

Honestly, (not to sound rude), but when keeping pets money should never be an issue. We all make a choice to hopefully give the best care possible and sometimes we have to give up other things in exchange. My advice: DO whatever you can to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pet. If it winds up deceased over a relatively easy 'fix', you will feel MUCH worse than you do when spending the money on the fix. I hope that makese sense. Best of luck with it! I hope you have a LONG time tort companion.

Matt