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I noticed the other day (Wednesday) that I haven't seen my girl in a while. I went out to the backyard to check on her. She was not in any of her burrows or boxes, then I saw it... A huge hole tore through the base of her enclosure, just at the dirt level.

It seems my lawn guys had been a little too generous with their equipment while cleaning up around he cage. I had some really tall nasty stuff growing around it. With my schedule I just haven't had the time to get out there and chop it down, so I asked the guy who does my lawn to do it. Not sure what the hell he used, but it was enough to bust a starter hole through the plastic "foundation" of her cage.

The cage has proven (so far) to be monitor proof, not even one close call over the last year. Actually she has for the most part stopped even trying to escape. I never factored in the chance of machinery aiding an escape. Silly me.

I passed out flyers, hung them on poles, and contacted every authority who may be called to a huge lizard sighting. Everything I could. I looked high and low, day after day, for four days.

Long story short... Last night I went outside to show my buddy my new canoe. As I was turning it over I said "Watch my lizard be under here". Sure enough, there she was, all 5' of her. Mind you this is a place I have checked repeatedly over the last few days.

I caught her and she is now in my bathroom awaiting her newly reinforced cage. I was literally in tears before finding her and had to keep my blinds closed so I wouldnt see her empty cage.

Now we are reunited, and I'm sure she hates it, lol. I am so fortunate. Really, what are the chances?

OMG- Your story had me captivated! So glad it turned out okay, but I thought for sure you'd lost her. Making me think twice about putting my BTs outdoors now!

Susan.

It's nice to see them outside, but seriously, if i did it again I would have took the time to pour a small slab. it doesnt even have to be that thick, just 2" or so. Then backfill that with dirt. I may even be redesigning the cage soon.

A while back I told someone that I thought their outdoor enclosure was not "monitor proof" from my experience, I dont remember who it was, but this is why I never assume that any material they can dig their claws into is safe.
Besides the environmental factors, predators, neighborhood "crum-snatchers", etc, this is yet another reason why outdoor cages are at a disadvatage.
Ive seen monitors of all sizes over the years do some amazingly destructive things to cages, and other strongly built structures.
I couldnt imagine what a large dog roaming the neighborhood (when your not home) could do to that cage if your monitor could do that much damage even with human assistance (consider that before you get comfortable with any repairs). Recently my 1.5 year old husky mix (80 plus pound dog)picked up my one neighbors chain link fence (securely designed also) and shot under it in one second to chase their cat, I couldnt imagine what my pure husky could do if he were interested and had the oportunity (hes alot smarter, faster, stronger, a bit smaller, and 100 times the attitude).
You may want to consider the concrete, also attach the chain link into the concrete.
None the less a learning experience, glad to see she didnt get far.

Thanks SHvar. I just spent $200 and an entire Sunday reinforcing the cage with concrete. Although the floor is not a slab, the is now a 2 1/2 foot foundation of concrete lining the perimeter. When I originally dug out the cage, I laid chain link for the floor, then backfilled it. The concrete I just poured overlays the chain link. Unless she gets a hold of some C4, she isn't going anywhere, and nothing is going in, lol.

My biggest fear was man. I was terrified that someone would find her in a vulnerable position, just like how I did, then run and grab a shovel and kill her. I could see some old man going to take out his garbage and finding her behind the cans sleeping. Unfortunately there are some people who would just beat her to death rather than call the authorities.

Sounds pretty impressive looking; got any pics?

>>Thanks SHvar. I just spent $200 and an entire Sunday reinforcing the cage with concrete. Although the floor is not a slab, the is now a 2 1/2 foot foundation of concrete lining the perimeter. When I originally dug out the cage, I laid chain link for the floor, then backfilled it. The concrete I just poured overlays the chain link. Unless she gets a hold of some C4, she isn't going anywhere, and nothing is going in, lol.
>>
>>My biggest fear was man. I was terrified that someone would find her in a vulnerable position, just like how I did, then run and grab a shovel and kill her. I could see some old man going to take out his garbage and finding her behind the cans sleeping. Unfortunately there are some people who would just beat her to death rather than call the authorities.
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Mike Heinrich,
Mike@amazontreeboa.org
www.amazontreeboa.org

No pics of the actual foundation, thats already backfilled and covered up. Here is some general cage pics.


You can see the old plexi-lined foundation in the bottom pic. Basically I dug out the inside perimeter down and poured concrete, using the ground on one side, and the plastic on the other as the form. Then I set 16" patio blocks vertically into the concrete to cover up the remaining exposed plastic. Now there is a concrete wall surrounding the cage. Like stated before, the bottom is chain link, now embedded with concrete around the edges. The chain link overlaps the foundation with just about zero gap, and is bolted down every foot with 4" lags. The chain link is tied at the framing points every 6" or so with stainless bailing wire. There is no play and no chance of gap being fastened so close. The top is done the same way. I lined the bottom 3 feet with plastic garden mesh to keep her from probing, and trying to slam her head through the chain link. Worked great. The box you see in the one picture is heated in the winter time and is insulated very well on all sides. In there is a large water dish and basking lamps. If I could do it all over I would have done it differently. I would have done the concrete foundation from the get. Other than that the chain link has been very successful and maintenance free. If you are planning an outdoor cage, please take the time and the money to use concrete for the base. It will save you a huge headache at the end. The plastic worked well, but didn't hold up to abuse from yard equipment. This is one thing I never considered, that was a huge learning experience. Keep this in mind.

I am so glad you found her. I want to do a outdoor cage, but have had the same fears.
Im glad your cage is now secure.
To add to what Shvar said I had a pen similar to yours for a full blood shepard, and at a year old she grabbed the bottom of the gate and pulled until it bent.
We can NEVER underestimate what any animal can do.
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1.3.0 RES
1.0.0 red belly cooter
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