Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm planning an outdoor year-round shelter (southern CA) for my group of 6 growing Manouria e. phayrei ("Burmese black" tortoises. Since I'm a terrible carpenter, I'm planning to buy either a large Dogloo or Playmate Doghouse and attach a pig blanket on the inside wall for winter night. But I also need to attach a solid door that is secure and racoon-proof, as I have a major racoon population here.

Has anyone tried this, or have advice about large doghouse-sized prefab shelters that can be made secure and lockable ?
thanks

Lock in...you will be tied down, everyday. Would it be more practical to screen in the entire enclosure? I am sure you can make it work. 'coons can be really ornery and persistent, IF they get a taste/exposure to something they want. I had a big boar 'coon ripping shingles off my chicken house roof when he could no longer access throught the door. I live in prime wildlife habitat, with coons, skunks,ring tails, grey fox, gopher snakes, racers all visiting from time to time. I try to provide cover that babies can retreat to, that will be too deep for a coon to reach into. Maybe you could make a ABS pipe that is big enough for your Emmys but too small for the average racoon as a access to the doghouse/tortoise warm spot? A racoon can not reach in past 18", based on racoons/wood duck birdhouses. Put heavy plastic that swings open and closed on the pipe end to prevent drafts. Good luck, let us know if you come up with an effective design.