how to keep sulcata warm in winter?

[Karen Matson]

Hi from Bakersfield. My question is what do I keep my sulcata in during our weather now . He's been outside all summer in his hole now I'm afraid he'll get to cold. He is not liking the dog crate. He flopped him self over again

 

[lito sagun]

Hi from Bakersfield. My question is what do I keep my sulcata in during our weather now . He's been outside all summer in his hole now I'm afraid he'll get to cold. He is not liking the dog crate. He flopped him self over again

I bought a used dog house on craigslist and I hung a ceramic bulb from petsmart. and for the door, I hung a blanket so he can go in and out as he pleases. I also lined the floor with tons of timothy hay for substrate but you can also use an old sleeping bag for him to lay on. just make sure the heatlamp is not too close to the blankets or substrate you are using. if all else fails , I just let mine in the house and stay in one of our closets, I have mine pretty much housebroken so that helps..

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Karen, and welcome !

Here's where my Sulcata, Dudley lives year round:

https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/dudleys-rebuild.111350/#post-1034676

 

[Tom]

Hi from Bakersfield. My question is what do I keep my sulcata in during our weather now . He's been outside all summer in his hole now I'm afraid he'll get to cold. He is not liking the dog crate. He flopped him self over again

You have a tropical species of tortoise. In our temperate climate, we must provide them with a way to stay warm during our cooler times of year like right now. I've tried all sorts of modified dog houses, rubber made sheds and deck boxes, and home made boxes. I've also observed what other people have tried. After much trial and many errors, this is what has evolved:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/double-door-night-box.129054/

In most cases, CHEs and over head heat lamps will cause a slow burn to the top of the carapace and not warm the air or the rest of the tortoise enough.

 

[Tom]

I bought a used dog house on craigslist and I hung a ceramic bulb from petsmart. and for the door, I hung a blanket so he can go in and out as he pleases. I also lined the floor with tons of timothy hay for substrate but you can also use an old sleeping bag for him to lay on. just make sure the heatlamp is not too close to the blankets or substrate you are using. if all else fails , I just let mine in the house and stay in one of our closets, I have mine pretty much housebroken so that helps..

This is for you too:
You have a tropical species of tortoise. In our temperate climate, we must provide them with a way to stay warm during our cooler times of year like right now. I've tried all sorts of modified dog houses, rubber made sheds and deck boxes, and home made boxes. I've also observed what other people have tried. After much trial and many errors, this is what has evolved:
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/double-door-night-box.129054/

In most cases, CHEs and over head heat lamps will cause a slow burn to the top of the carapace and not warm the air or the rest of the tortoise enough.

 

[Big Charlie]

I live near you so have a similar climate. I built a night box like Tom's. This will be his third winter using it.

 

[Maro2Bear]

.......I agree...I don't think blankets and/or sleeping bags are any solution to providing heat for a cold-blooded reptile that doesn't produce it's own heat. One needs to provide a proper night box, substrate and heat for these tropical reptiles to thrive.

• I provide a dedicated indoor area just for our sully that is heated with an oil radiator, night box with a radiant heating panel. Basking light on a timer as well.