Hello, BD.org! It's getting warm here (right now it's about 85 outside), and I was just out cleaning a roach tub and thinking about how much Budo would love a summer home. So I think I'm going to build a somewhat large, secure outdoor enclosure. Even when it's warm like today, nights will get down to 40*, so Budo will come inside during the evenings. He will probably only be outside for three or four hours every afternoon.
We have five neighborhood cats (all of whom are pretty chill--my baby Ira has even met Budo before, I don't think they'll be a problem, but then again they are outdoor cats so I don't want to take any chances), hawks, raccoons, skunks, owls, coyotes, and, worst of all, small children (i.e. it will have high sides so that it doesn't get trampled accidentally).
During the day, I think the cats and hawks will be the only problems. But anyways, the enclosure needs a secure top (chicken wire, I'm thinking).
Does anybody have outdoor enclosures? Any tips for me? Also, should I wash down any rocks and driftwood I put in the enclosure? I know that's silly, to wash things outside. Any plants I should watch out for? Would his enclosure be better off in the grass (we have plenty of dandelions!) or in the sand/dirt? We have a ton of fruit trees and such, but no pesticides.
EDIT: we also have a section of our yard with the playground-style wood chips. I doubt this would be preferable over grass or sand, but I guess it's still an option...?
We have five neighborhood cats (all of whom are pretty chill--my baby Ira has even met Budo before, I don't think they'll be a problem, but then again they are outdoor cats so I don't want to take any chances), hawks, raccoons, skunks, owls, coyotes, and, worst of all, small children (i.e. it will have high sides so that it doesn't get trampled accidentally).
During the day, I think the cats and hawks will be the only problems. But anyways, the enclosure needs a secure top (chicken wire, I'm thinking).Does anybody have outdoor enclosures? Any tips for me? Also, should I wash down any rocks and driftwood I put in the enclosure? I know that's silly, to wash things outside. Any plants I should watch out for? Would his enclosure be better off in the grass (we have plenty of dandelions!
) or in the sand/dirt? We have a ton of fruit trees and such, but no pesticides.EDIT: we also have a section of our yard with the playground-style wood chips. I doubt this would be preferable over grass or sand, but I guess it's still an option...?
