Tortoise Outdoors

[matchdog]

At what size can my sulcata safety stay outdoor. Spike is about 6 inches +/-.

 

[Tom]

At 6" I leave mine outside all day in nice weather and bring them in at night or on cold days into a 4x8' closed chamber.

I move them outside full time in late spring when they are 8-10". I use large enclosures and they have a heated night box to use any time they like.

 

[Elohi]

At 6" I leave mine outside all day in nice weather and bring them in at night or on cold days into a 4x8' closed chamber.

I move them outside full time in late spring when they are 8-10". I use large enclosures and they have a heated night box to use any time they like.

Tom, I have 5 leopards that I've been putting outside on warm days. Two of them are under 6". They are all kept together as a small herd so I've been putting them all outside together. Do you suggest I not put the smaller two out all day just yet?
These four plus another not pictured.

 

[matchdog]

This is my sulcata Spike.

 

[Tom]

Tom, I have 5 leopards that I've been putting outside on warm days. Two of them are under 6". They are all kept together as a small herd so I've been putting them all outside together. Do you suggest I not put the smaller two out all day just yet?
These four plus another not pictured.
View attachment 118476

There is no set answer for this. Depends on the weather, temperature, humidity, etc... Outside all day is not good for babies, but once they've grown a bit, a few hours outside should be fine.

 

[Elohi]

There is no set answer for this. Depends on the weather, temperature, humidity, etc... Outside all day is not good for babies, but once they've grown a bit, a few hours outside should be fine.

Ambient temps have been upper 70's-low 80's when I put them out. Ground temps in the sun have been in the low 90's. They tend to hang out in the mallow which of course is cooler. The youngest/smallest has her own space and she goes out for an he when the days warmth is peak.
I also have been watering the tortoise yard when I put them out each time to add to the ground level humidity. I have not specifically checked the humidity yet though. Them being able to go out when it's warm has just been as of lately and some days it doesn't warm up enough for them to be out so they stay inside.
Below is just the two bigger ones hanging out in the mallow. 6.5 inches and 7 inches.









Picture of the two smaller yearlings.
340-ish grams. 4 1/2 inches. 1 yr 5 months old.






The babies outdoor space. She is 3 months old.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

@Elohi I think what you are doing is just fine. They have so much vegetation to hide under and you aren't in the extreme hot/dry heat season yet.

 

[Jodie]

This is my sulcata Spike.

He is beautiful.

 

[bouaboua]

Ambient temps have been upper 70's-low 80's when I put them out. Ground temps in the sun have been in the low 90's. They tend to hang out in the mallow which of course is cooler. The youngest/smallest has her own space and she goes out for an he when the days warmth is peak.
I also have been watering the tortoise yard when I put them out each time to add to the ground level humidity. I have not specifically checked the humidity yet though. Them being able to go out when it's warm has just been as of lately and some days it doesn't warm up enough for them to be out so they stay inside.
Below is just the two bigger ones hanging out in the mallow. 6.5 inches and 7 inches.
View attachment 118563

Beautiful torts and beautiful enclosure! ! ! ! !







Picture of the two smaller yearlings.
340-ish grams. 4 1/2 inches. 1 yr 5 months old.
View attachment 118564


Beautiful torts and beautiful enclosure! ! ! !Great pics............


The babies outdoor space. She is 3 months old.
View attachment 118565
View attachment 118566

 

[matchdog]

He is beautiful.

Thanks Jodie