I need some ideas.
Here's the situation: last September we moved to a new place, with a backyard, and the turtles moved outside. It took Al, my RES, a little while to acclimate, but as soon as he adjusted he was very happy.
I wanted at the time to keep him near the back door, but there is no shade there, so I moved him to the back of the yard where the trees provide shade and he would not overheat. When the weather got cold, though, I moved his tub right next to the back door- it wasn't hot enough for him to overheat.
He LOVES being next to the back door, and I like having him there. If he hears me inside the house about to come out, he climbs up on his dock to say hello. With him right next to the back door and my partner's office window, I can hear if his filter malfunctions or is clogged. It is very easy to take care if him with him right next to the door.
Now things are getting warmer, and we are on our way into another hot summer. I would like to keep him by the back door, but there is no shade. The past few weeks it has been warm but not hot, and I have been setting up a piece of plywood, leaned against his tank, to partially shade his tub, but strong winds blow it over.
Does anyone have any idea what I could do to make a cheap, fast, sturdy shade structure for him? I don't want to just lay a piece of wood or plastic on top of his tub- that wouldn't be a nice way for him to live. Of course, if I have to move him to the back of the yard, I will, but I'd rather not.
- Priscilla
