Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am moving to Florida within the next 6-9 months and eventually want to build a nice outside enclosure for my cherry head. I was reading about using a small dog house for shelter, and was thinking about 6x8' in size, having large potted plants throughout the cage and a nice, shallow water bowl. What is the best substrate for the cage and does anybody have any suggestions as to how to keep it free of predators? Thanks.

Pam
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1.1 varanus acanthurus brachyurus (Dorado & Dora)
1.1 u. macfadyeni (Amani & Abeba)
1.2 u. ornata (Husani, Zari, & Bintu)
1.1 u. maliensis (Njuru & Neo) Doug Dix
0.0.1 geochelone carbonaria (Rojo)
0.1 pogona vitticeps (Sunni)
1.1 hyla chrysoscelis (Pudge & Squirt)
Herps Are Awesome!

I would just use plain top soil (no fertilizers or perlite) for substrate in an outdoor enclosure. To make it predator proof, dig fencing into the ground a foot or so all the way around, or bury a bottom a foot underground. Make the sides of the pen tall and put a top on it. Make sure at the torts level he or she cannot see out. Putting a lock on the door/lid is also not a bad idea to keep out people and smarter animals (like raccoons). Any plants you put in just make sure they are non toxic.