What should I do to keep my turtle from tearing my screen?

Question

I own an African Leapord Tortoise and he keeps on tearing through my backyard screen in search for more food. I've tried covering it up with something to block his bath but this didn't work well.

Is there anything that could prevent him from going through? Like a special kind of screen (pool screen cause thats where he is, in my pool area). Or is there something I could buy so I can keep him in my actual bakyard that he can't push through or destroy and will protect him from the occasional hawks and eagles in my backyard?

Feel free to give any other possibles answers or if you have a turtle tell me what you do so it doesn't escape.

Thak You!

Answer 1

Sounds like he needs a new enclosure. Someone sent me this site and it turned out to be very beneficial.

I originally thought about using chicken wire, but now I would be afraid he might harm himself if he tried to dig through it.

http://billsboxturtles.com/

Answer 2

Screen? This is a species that is big and strong enough to rip through drywall and as adults can force its way under chain-link. These guys are living tanks!

Anything the tortoise can see through it thinks it can get through- and it is usually right. Not only will it damage the material, it can badly hurt itself in the process.

I'd go with plywood! Overhead protection can be from many kinds of mesh, but 'tortoise eye level' should be something good and solid.

Answer 3

Hello..you could try a dog kennel made of chain link fence with a top to keep the other things out, dig a trench about a foot deep & lower the kennels edges in then bury it some..watch for signs of digging ...beings most turtles are quite the diggers & our screen doors are made of what we call expanded steel mesh so our dogs can't tear it up ..also friends who have big hibernating turtles often bury them big dog igloo's in the ground with a tunnel so they can hibernate in them !! Take Care :) Kool tho that you get eagles & hawks too, love them birds of prey :)