Outdoor pen!

[Zephyr]

I've started the foundation for my summer outdoor garter pen. It is going to measure 6 feet x 44 inches. How many garters will live comfortably in there?

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

lol hmmm idk 10-15 adults? but i couldnt really tell unless im looking at it

I've started the foundation for my summer outdoor garter pen. It is going to measure 6 feet x 44 inches. How many garters will live comfortably in there?

[Zephyr]

As for overall plans, I'm going to dig 6" into the bottom of the pen, put a lining of potato cloth, cover it slightly with potting soil, throw some worms and nightcrawlers in, cover that level with dried oak and other leaves, then build ontop of that hides, a water dish, etc. The whole thing is going to either have 2 ventilated sides, or the whole "perimeter" will be made of screen. I'm going to put a cover of screen over it, just in case. ;D

[Stefan-A]

It's probably a good idea to cover it with some kind of screen. Keeps birds and people away.

[enigma200316]

sounds great, can't wait to see it...............:)

[Snaky]

It's probably a good idea to cover it with some kind of screen. Keeps birds and people away.
Depending on where you live, it might become to humid if you let it rain in all the time. So this screen might also be needed for that. If you have fe. a clay ground, than the rain might not be able to get away that easy...

[adamanteus]

Very good point, Hans. I think ground preparation and drainage are very important considerations before you start work.

[Serpentine99]

I'm interested as to what the final product may look like, Ive always been intrigued by outdoor enclosures.

[adamanteus]

I was hoping to construct one in my back garden.... but 'She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed' has forbidden it!:(

[Serpentine99]

ha, i have a feeling that if she wasnt there your house would be a literal zoo.;)

[enigma200316]

I was hoping to construct one in my back garden.... but 'She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed' has forbidden it!:(


hahahahahha!!!!!!!!!!!!..you have one of those to James, all the magic in the world can't help us.......:rolleyes:;):D

[Zephyr]

Hmm... I hadn't thought of that... I think that potato sack cloth will "breath" very nicely. Maybe I'll increase the depth in the ground to 10". The only reason I'd be digging this deep is to allow some worms to proliferate and give the garters an additional food source. Plus it'll mimic a forest floor with leaves on top. :P
I don't plan on cleaning the pen for poo, as last year just a day or two after appearing it would be gone. *Probably due to flies, etc, natural composter. :P*

[Lori P]

I would looooooooove to do this for my snakes but I have to think really hard on how to predator proof it. I think it would be almost impossible with all my chickens, turkeys, cats, dogs... plus the wildlife. But it would be SO nice to give them the chance to live more naturally for at least half the year.

I can't wait to see it when you're done, Kyle!

[Sid]

I'm working on plans for an outdoor viv myself, Kyle. One difference will be to set mine up for the year round. I'll attach mine to the back of the house and fix it with access to an insulated burmation box in the crawl space under the house. That way when it turns cold they can burmate thenselves when nature dictates or move to it whenever it too hot.

[Lori P]

Sid, that's a really neat idea. I've just decided I simly need a whole other house... that would solve my space issues. Hmmm, think I can get hubby to build one? Shouldn't be too hard right? LOL