Turtle Enclosure Progress

Many of you will remember that next summer we are rescuing some Box Turtles.  Here is my previous post on the topic and the photos of the raw site:

http://czarofthewoodsfarm.blogspot.com/2010/10/future-box-turtle-habitat-location.html 

Below are some photos of the progress we have made so far.

One of the best parts of the 144 sq ft enclosure is the fact that part of our huge willow tree fell (years ago) and now several "baby", albeit 20 ft babies willow trees are growing from it.  The large portion that fell down you can see below and I have incorporated it into the enclosure, in essence it runs right through it along the back part of the enclosure.  It will give the turtles a place to go under, explore and hide.

 Here you can see that I have all the corner and fence posts in.  The enclosure will have a 12 inch high solid wall around the bottom and see through fencing up from there and some type of light netting on top to keep raccoons, etc. out.  A week after I put these in I then buried (in pouring rain) 4" X 16" stone blocks around the perimeter to keep the turtles from digging out.  I got most of what I wanted to get done for now, until next spring that is.  Took advantage of the ground still being soft before it freezes.

This is a view from the back of the enclosure facing out.  Notice the willow tree parallel to the ground.  It runs right through the enclosure and eventually the fencing will, somehow, allow it to pass through it while still being secure.  The photo doesn't do it justice in that it is much bigger in person.

And lastly here is a turtle's eye view of a hiding place under the willow tree.  The eastern box turtle is a land dwelling turtle (that like to take an occasional soak) so this type of habitat is perfect.