Hi,

Having moved into my new house recently, I can now begin to build an amazing outdoor enclosure for my 8 year old hermann tortoise.
I have lots of ideas and know the essentials of what I need to provide him with but was wondering about whether or not I need to cover the entire enclosure with a netting or wire mesh frame to protect from predators?

I live in Southend in Essex so quite sunny and and have a secluded small garden. As far as I know we don't get foxes but have a lot of birds (as I actively encourage them into my garden) but was wondering your opinions on whether this is necessary as you see in santuarys and zoos etc that they don't cover their enclosures.

Thanks
Tom

Hi Tom,
Most of our lot usually move into the greenhouse and tortoise house at night. The ones that don't get put away. I really wouldn't risk leaving them out at night. It's surprising how many people do get foxes in their garden and don't even know about it and they can cause some horrific injuries:-(
HTH
Darren

My tortoise has a purpose-built hutch with a ramp, she makes her own way there

in the early evenings.  I make a point of checking each night to ensure that she is

in there rather than just holed up in a corner of the garden.  There are lots of suburban foxes around where I live, but I must admit I hadn't thought of them as being interested in torts.