Outdoor enclosure in N. CA

[Mar]

We just built an outdoor enclosure for our Sulcata, Nugget. This is his first winter outdoors. It is a 3ftx3ft enclosure/doghouse. The top is hinged so we can open and clean it. We have insulated the top and will put a carpet flap or possibly a door over the entrance in the winter to keep the heat in. We have a heating pad (Osborne industries) for the floor with a temp regulator. We are wondering what kind of substrate, if any to put in there? We live near Sacramento and can get down to 40s (rarely 30s) off and on during the winter months. Thanks any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[wellington]

How old and big is he? A 3x3 is barely big enough for a hatchling. Is this just for him to sleep? He will have an enclosure to go out into during the day? Do you ever have day temps where he might have to stay in the house all day and night, if so, he needs a much bigger enclosure. If he is under 8 inches, he should come in the house at night or during the cold weather.

 

[Mar]

Yes, just to sleep in. He has our fenced in yard to cruise around in. Nugget is 5 years old and 8 inches. Daytime temps in winter average in the mid 60s. Do you suggest a substrate?