HOW TO MAKE A TURTLE NEST PROTECTOR
The following are instructions for constructing the wood frame turtle nest protector Think Turtle Conservation Initiative has successfully used for a number of years to deter predators and protect many nests. If you substitute materials or make changes to the methods of construction outlined please keep the general principles of a turtle nest protector in mind.
(A) Use lumber that is untreated and unpainted.
(B) Cut '2 to 4' openings in the wood frame for the hatchlings to freely exit the nest protector. This is a 'requirement' as specified by the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks.
(C) Make the nest protector frame larger then the size of the nest to maximize protection. We recommend a nest protector that is 27" x 27".
(D) Anchor the nest protector securely to the ground to prevent predators from gaining access to the nest during the incubation period. If spikes cannot be used to anchor the nest protector each 'corner' of the nest protector can be weighed down using heavy rocks.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT
Power Saw (of your choice for cutting the lumber)
Jigsaw (for cutting exit holes for hatchlings)
Drill (cordless or electric)
Drill bit (recommended for making pilot holes if you choose to)
Screw bits (size/type for the screws you are using)
Measuring tape, Carpenters pencil, Square
Metal Snips
Screwdriver (size/type to match screws, we used Robertson)
Sandpaper
Safety goggles
Work Gloves (for handling hardware cloth/wire mesh)
Ear Plugs (when using machinery)
MATERIALS
You will need the following items to build one nest protector.
2" x 4" x 104" Lumber (Untreated/unpainted)
Hardware cloth/wire mesh (23 gauge with 1/4” hole openings)
2-1/2” Stainless steel wood screws x 8
1-3/4” Stainless steel wood screws x 12
12” Galvanized spiral nails/spikes x 4
Optional: You can staple the wire mesh to the top of the wood frame if you prefer. In which case, you will need a staple gun and staples.
Note: As the nest protector will be used outdoors we highly recommend stainless steel screws and galvanized spikes to avoid rusting.
NEST PROTECTOR ASSEMBLY
(1) From the 2”x 4” x 104" lumber cut two pieces 24" and two pieces 27." One turtle nest protector can be constructed from one 2" x 4" x 104" with minimal waste.
(2) Using a jigsaw cut two half circle exit holes. Each one should be 2" high and 4 -1/2" wide. Cut the 1st half circle in one of the 24" pieces of cut lumber and the 2nd half circle in one of the 27" pieces of cut lumber. Each nest protector is required to have at least two cut out holes for the hatchlings to exit the nest protector. Please use safety goggles and ear plugs.
(3) Drill two holes in each 27" piece of cut lumber. The 1st hole should be drilled 3" in from the end and through the 4" dimension. The 2nd hole should be
drilled 3" in from the other end and through the 4" dimension.. These are the holes the 12" spikes will be hammered through to anchor the nest protector to the ground.
(4) Assemble the wood frame using 2-1/2" wood screws.
(5) Cut the wire mesh (hardware cloth) to fit the assembled wood frame. Note: We cut the wire mesh 1" to 1-1/2" larger then the dimensions of the wood frame so the wire mesh edges can be folded over for a tidy and safe edge and provide extra reinforcement when screwed on to the top of the wooden fame.
(6) Place the wire mesh over the top of the assembled wood frame and fasten
it in place using 1-3/4" wood screws fitted with a 3/16" fender washer.
Be sure to look at the construction tip photos below as well as notes regarding hardware cloth gauge and chicken coop wire..
Checkout our 'How To Make A Nest Protector' post on our Wordpress Blog for a helpful photo and materials list.
https://thinkturtleconservationinitiative.wordpress.com/2022/03/30/how-to-make-a-nest-protector/
If you have any questions about nest protectors or other turtle related matters please contact Think Turtle Conservation Initiative at 647-606-9537, e-mail thinkturtle@yahoo.com or send a message through Facebook thinkturtleci.
Thank you for helping protect the Turtles and contributing to species recovery efforts in Ontario.