When is it too cold for Sulcata to get sunlight

nguyenda

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This past week I haven't had the chance to take my Sully out for some sunlight due to the gloomy weather. Currently it is 62 degrees right now with a bit of sun. Is this too cold or should I be fine leaving him outside with supervision for 20-30 minutes?
 

TechnoCheese

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I’d say too cold. I usually don’t bring mine out if it’s less than 70. I would wait for other opinions, though :)
 

Yvonne G

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Large tortoises have a bigger body mass and are able to stay warm longer. I wouldn't put small tortoises out in cold weather, no matter how sunny it is.
 

nguyenda

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Large tortoises have a bigger body mass and are able to stay warm longer. I wouldn't put small tortoises out in cold weather, no matter how sunny it is.
What would you say is the lowest temp I should bring him out? 70 like technocheese mentioned?
 

Markw84

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To me the issue is their core body temperature. If I am putting some out for sunshine that are used to being indoors, they are always at least 80°. So if I put one outside, I want to check the surface ground temperature where I will put them to see if the sun is heating the ground to at least 80°. A tortoise will heat at least that much and often more. Their shells absorb solar radiation extremely well. Just like a cat or dog's fur. Feel their fur when the have been laying in the sun for just a few minutes.

I use my IR gun and check the tortoise. On a sunny, 65° day with the sun as high as it is now, it can easily heat the ground to well over 90°. If the shell is heating over 80° I will leave them out. If they hide in the shade and the temp gun says their body temp is falling, I take them in.
 

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