Hibaernation and enclosure overhang

[neilshaw]

Just planning some outdoor enclosures. interested in bibernacle designs can anyone suggest some ideas. I am in Esst Anglia so not as far south as I would like so am thinking I amy need a design where I can retrieve the lizards before the coldest weather arrives or do people have solutions to this?

Also what is minimum overhang for Podarcis and Timon species that people would suggest?

[viridis]

In my opinion people worry too much about hibernacula.If you can dig down to around 18" and fill the hole up with coarse sand and old rubble the lizards will burrow down naturally to hibernate.Some plants and rubble at surface level will help.
With regards to the overhang I would always cover any outdoor vivaria to keep pests out.Podarcis are vey good escape artists so they to covered in my opinion.

[neilshaw]

Thanks viridis.

I have several enclosures planned within a covered area to keep pests out and was hoping to use an overhang of 3 to 4 inches for each of the enclosures within.

Is coarse builders sand OK?

[viridis]

I use sharp sand which I guess equates to coarse builders sand.At first I used fine sand but was advised away from this as it could get in their eyes and noses.The sharp sand works well as it does not waterlogue.

[barb1]

Hi Neil,

How are those Lepidus doing? I have 40 eggs cooking!
So you are making some new outdoors enclosurers. Are you still using reptile fencing?

[neilshaw]

barbara,

They are doing fine, yes doing some improvements and adding a couple more was interested in what others find works best for hibernation and overhang sizes, all will be fenced in with fine chicken wire and netted over.

Neil

[barb1]

If your sides are high enough, use tall posts at the corners and then hang nylon netting over the whole. That way you can then get inside the pen without having to be bent double!