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A few months ago I saw an article in Reptiles Magazine about how to build your own outdoor box turtle enclosure.

It took some time and a few changes in design (you can't get landscaping timbers in the SF Bay area; apparently they've been banned) but I finally finished the construction end of the project this weekend. Planting of the interior comes next.

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Edited on November 15, 2006 at 10:05:20 by phwyvern.

That spucklerboxx rocks!
Here are some of my turtles in a "long skinny" version of their enclosure.
I'll be widening it next year.

Tim

Third Eye

I love that top to keep predators out. It looks great.
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PHRatz

what are the dimensions?

One of the benefits of the Spucklerboxx design is that you can adjust the dimensions to fit the space available. I had a 6' x 8' available space, so I made my box 5'-6" x 7'-6", which gives me some wiggle room on all sides.

The original Spucklerboxx calls for the sides to be made from 3 landscaping timbers stacked on top of each other (which does look better than plain, flat sides) but those aren't available in my area. Instead, I used pressure treated 2" x 12" lumber. (note: a brand called "Wolmanized Outdoor Wood" just recently was re-released on the market --this time with the hazardous chemicals removed--so I used that instead of the typical green colored wood.)

To add stability, I had a 4" x 4" cut into 11" lengths and have one of those supports in each inside corner. It is these that the 2" x 12" lumber is actually connected to.

The key to a Spucklerboxx's ingenuity is that dang "bridge" section that spans across the top. Not only does it provide much-needed stability that ties the whole box together, but it also provides adequate clearance for the doors to set smoothly across the top. (genius! I wish I'd thought of that!) To help prop the bridge up, I used an extra 4" x4" piece in the middle as a "leg".

The doors are simple enough to construct, and don't forget to use a layer of bricks under the whole she-bang to prevent those little buggers from pulling a prison break when you aren't looking.

I suggest everyone build a Spucklerboxx without delay!

I couldn't agree with you more. I customized this one to fit against my house. It's about 3 feet by 8 feet. After I move, I'll add another side (where the house currently is) with landscaping timbers.

I also plan on widening it by putting in a longer "bridge" and endcaps. Then I'll lay boards on either side of the top where the gap from the doors would be.

Tim

Third Eye