Tegu proofing my back yard

[Edward Lotz]

I want to make my backyard Tegu safe so do I need to extend the fence below the surface to keep one from digging out? I currently have a 6’ privacy fence but since they like to dig not sure if I need to excape proof the fence further? Any other things you need to do?
Thanks

 

[RomanPort]

I've never done this myself, but I think they'll definitely try and dig under it. I'd extend it pretty far underground. The biggest thing is probably keeping an eye on them while they're outside.

 

[Debita]

I'd be completely paranoid to do this... They are powerful diggers with strong noses always rooting and nudging to see where weaknesses are. Let us know how it goes!

 

[Dstrait]

I Tegu proofed my back yard. We have a decrepit wood fence which I repaired and modified. Some areas I installed a horizontal 2x6 board flush with the ground. This was joined to a equal or larger board to form a 90 degree angle joint along to bottom of the fence. I hoped Blizzard would attempt to dig in the joint rather than under the base.
It seems to have worked except where an irrigation hose went under the base with a little tunnel. Blizzard dug it out and got under our deck. I filled her tunnel with tight fitting large rocks.

 

[Walter1]

Great to see a photo.

 

[Dstrait]

This seems to deter digging out, without building a new fence. It's treated lumber, screwed together. The older vertical fence planks had rotted at their bottoms. They were screwed above the rot to the large board.
It's still a shambles, but we have contained the beast for more than than a year until the neighbors and I can get a new fence.
Soil hardness should be critical for digging deterrents. If your baby can dig long tunnels you may need something more substantial.

 

[Walter1]

Very interesting. The tegu goes to the junction of the boards and not under the horizontal board.