outdoor

[zooplan]

Hi Sabine,
you may come right now to help digging

[Gijs & Sabine]

Hi Sabine,
you may come right now to help digging

25 °C and no shadow ?? Sorry, I don't think so

[adamanteus]

How deep will you need to dig to make the "den"? Is ground frost ever a problem in your area(s)?

If I ever build an outdoor enclosure, I will construct a well insulated 'cell' and build a hill over it, rather than sink the den into the ground. For me (on heavy clay soil) the risk of flooding is greater than the risk of extreme low temperatures. I also like the idea of the interesting topography an artificial hill would provide.

[zooplan]

can you lend me an excavator, James?
I hate digging yet.
When I subsoil only a small part the digged pit is filled up again
I feel like Sisyphos!

[adamanteus]

If you were nearer, Udo, I would arrange an excavator for you.

[adamanteus]

Do you think my idea for an above ground hibernaculum would work, if it were properly insulated? Obviously there would be passages (not shown) leading in there from the surface.

[zooplan]

It will work!
and better with some small modification:
Dig a hole under the hill.
Let the insulation go down to the bottom of the hole.
Don´t insulate the bottom.
Fill the hole again with gross gravel.
So the warmth from the ground will come to your den.

[adamanteus]

Good idea, Udo. If I get permission, I will do it this way!

[reptileparadise]

Very nice James!

And we love pictures Udo

[zooplan]

I feel as if it is warming up more mand more.
Got a third of the first level now.
After one more row I will quit for today.
A shower is most encessary now.
I feel like a ferret,Lory