Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, after finishing the adjustments to my box turtle enclosure this afternoon, it dawned on me that I want to drastically expand it, all the way down my fence line. It will cost a little money, and take a couple afternoons, so I hope I can get it done before April.

My plan will allow me to go from the current 110 square feet enclosure to around 450 square feet! This means more boxies! And a much bigger pond, where I plan to see about moving my water turtles into as well. I posted a pic of the flower bed I will be replacing. It will run all the way down this fence and continue through the current enclosure space. For now, I'm planning to knock out the landscape timber pen and do all board on post, using a foot wide board and a cap. I think it will jut out and have angles, to break up sight lines. I plan to keep the night pen contained in the new enclosure, and maybe add another smaller one if I do move the water turtles to this enclosure as well.

I'm hoping it looks something like the picture Tess has on her website under housing. I just love that pen. It's so nice looking and looks so functional.

I also think I will only have to pull out two plants. This is my butterfly bed, but have been disapointed with how few blooms I get on some of the plants because it only gets morning sun. But that's perfect for the boxies! So I will knock out two problems with one project. I also have a TON of plant ideas now. Let me hear any ideas or suggestions you guys have.

Good for you! I've always been of the opinion that a turtle pen should be as big as you can possibly make it...so, well done!

Thanks! Yes, live and learn. Not sure why I didn't think of it before, but it really is the perfect spot for a huge enclosure. I got some really good ideas brainstorming with a construction minded friend today.

Ours started at 750 sq. ft., then we added more for a total of 1000 sq. ft., but I'm eying an adjacent area, which would add another 500 sq. ft. or so.

Oh, man! I could only dream! My wife would not be happy. Ha ha.

I don't look at the making of the pen as having sacrificed part of the yard: if anything it enhanced the garden.
I realize that not everyone can do this, but our turtle enclosure is right next to our porch, so we can sit and enjoy the sounds of the water feature in the pen, watch the turtles and enjoy the birds that visit the pond.
As far as garden planning goes, from a design perspective, it is beneficial to think in terms of creating outdoor rooms...so why not create a 'turtle room' with a bench or seat in it.
A turtle pen should keep turtles in and predators out, but it doesn't have to keep people out, too!

Curtis, I remember when I had that much motivation, now I have a sore back, lol!!!
Can't wait to see the finished product this spring. Best of luck!
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Jeff Benfer
gartersnakemorph.com