How to Build Tortoise Fence / Enclosure for large Sulcata Tortoises

How to build a tortoise fence for your Sulcata Tortoises.
Materials:
16' Livestock Panels 4 ga steel panels
16 ga wire rolls
Angle Grinder
Wire cutters
Post hole pounder
T-posts (3' posts if not adding electric fence)

[@aaronblack3276]

Hows the fence holding up? Have any of them dug out?

[@azsulcata]

I've used these fences for years, never have had them fail me. Sulcatas will only dig to nest or shelter, not to escape. If they nest along the fence line I just fill it in when they are done. If they have adequate temperature controlled housing then they shouldn't dig to burrow.

[@monicamrozek]

You didn't bury the cattle fence down into the dirt at all?? They don't try to get under it? My guy digs under the enclosure he's in but it is a chain link fence. (I don't recommend.) We had heavy storms here in Nevada and his burrow collapsed on him! Thankfully we got him out but it exposed his tunnel and it was about 15 ft that we could see! It went even further but that part didn't collapse so we don't know how far back it actually goes. We're building a new and bigger enclosure with a burrow that has walls and a floor and ceiling so we don't have to worry about collapsing again. The perimeter is what worries me. I thought they shouldn't be able to see through it or they keep trying to get through and it should be buried several feet deep so they can't get under. He has ripped off several "scales off his front legs trying to go right through the fence and i worry a cattle fence my cause the same damage. Have you experienced anything like that? Maybe my gut is just crazy! Any advice would be appreciated!! Thank you.

[@azsulcata]

When you cut the fence panels there are spikes left over that stick in the ground. I've been using this fencing for over a decade now though and have never had them attempt to dig under. If they're digging under then then likely don't have proper temperature controlled housing our their enclosure is too small.

[@monicamrozek]

Thank you so much for the reply, love your videos! I'll give it a try.

[@debbien6802]

We have an existing chain link fence would that work?

[@azsulcata]

Chain link won't hold a full grown Sulcata back. It might initially but over time they will get through. It would need to be reinforced at the bottom.