Outdoor Tortoise Pen Construction

Materials Needed

8 Oldcastle 7.5″ x 7.5″ x 5.5″ concrete wall blocks for the corners double stack high 

• 8pieces of 2″x6″ lumber: Two pieces at 8′ length (long sides) double stack for height
  four at 4′ length (short sides), double stacked for hight  or cut to fit the desired size.
• Wood for the top frame (e.g., 2″x2″ or 2″x4″ for simple joinery).
• Wire mesh hardware cloth: at least 4’x8′ to fully cover the pen.
• Decking screws, wood glue (optional), and hinges (if making a lid that opens).
  use hinges so you can lift one side essay for food and water placement 
•  allow access to the whole wood frame top attaching in such a way for easy removal if you need to gain access to the  rest of the pen 
  

Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Placement and Corners

• Choose a flat grassy area where the pen will be assembled.
• Lay out the rectangle, placing one concrete wall block at each corner (or double stack for height) to define the 4’x8′ footprint.

Step 2: Install Wood Boards

• Insert the ends of each 2×6 wood board into the slots provided in the corner wall blocks, forming a secure rectangular box shape.
• For extra strength or stability, double up blocks at corners or stack a second layer if a taller wall is desired.
• Check that everything is square by measuring diagonals.

Step 3: Secure Sides

• Attach wood boards with screws through the block slots for increased stability if desired.
• Optionally drive rebar through the center holes of wall blocks to anchor them to the ground.

Step 4: Wire Mesh Top

• Build a simple wooden top frame from 2x2s works best, sized exactly 4’x8′ to match the base.
  the entire top should be removed so dont screw it to the frame rather secure it in a removable matter 
  
• Affix wire mesh across the top using a staple gun or screws and washers, so it is taut and secure, entirely covering the frame.
• If a lid for access is desired, hinge one side of the top frame to the wood sides, and add a latch for security.

Diagram

The pen should resemble a sturdy raised box with cement wall block corners, wooden sides, and a flat hinged wire mesh lid.

• Corners: Concrete blocks
• Long sides: 2×6 wood boards (8′ each)
• Short sides: 2×6 wood boards (4′ each)
• Top: Rectangular wood frame with wire mesh
  cover at least 30% with shade cloth 
  

This design combines the durability of cement blocks for corners with the ease and strength of wooden boards for sides and provides full protection and ventilation using a wire mesh top.