How cold is too cold for an adult redfoot

Guts · Mar 13, 2021

I’m attempting to prove a point to a stubborn family member.

At what temperature would an adult redfoots life genuinely be at risk when being kept outdoors without any sort of shelter.

His current opinion is that 50 degrees when the previous day didn’t get above a sunny 65 is completely fine and not a hazard to the tortoise. (I brought the tort inside no worries)

ZEROPILOT · Mar 13, 2021

Guts said:
I’m attempting to prove a point to a stubborn family member.

At what temperature would an adult redfoots life genuinely be at risk when being kept outdoors without any sort of shelter.

His current opinion is that 50 degrees when the previous day didn’t get above a sunny 65 is completely fine and not a hazard to the tortoise. (I brought the tort inside no worries)

I don't think that even 35°would kill a Redfoot right away. But anything cooler than 55 plus high humidity can cause a deadly respiratory issue quickly.
Even though a temperature down to near freezing is maybe survivable, it should be avoided at all costs. And if the animal can't reach a temperature of at least 80° in a 48 hour period, digestion can not take place. And that will then start other serious issues.
I try very hard to keep mine above 60. And that means heated night houses and even an occasional trip inside my back heated room at night and then back outside for sun the next day.
For safety, I draw the line at 50° outside.
Not that they can't survive lower temps. But because I can avoid doing so. And their well being comes before my being inconvenienced.
We've had similar conversations before.
Just because very low temperatures might not outright kill a certain tortoise doesn't mean that it's acceptable.
So, you are correct.
But please don't try it in real life.

Jan A · Mar 13, 2021

ZEROPILOT said:
I don't think that even 35°would kill a Redfoot right away. But anything cooler than 55 plus high humidity can cause a deadly respiratory issue quickly.
Even though a temperature down to near freezing is maybe survivable, it should be avoided at all costs. And if the animal can't reach a temperature of at least 80° in a 48 hour period, digestion can not take place. And that will then start other serious issues.
I try very hard to keep mine above 60. And that means heated night houses and even an occasional trip inside my back heated room at night and then back outside for sun the next day.
For safety, I draw the line at 50° outside.
Not that they can't survive lower temps. But because I can avoid doing so. And their well being comes before my being inconvenienced.
We've had similar conversations before.
Just because very low temperatures might not outright kill a certain tortoise doesn't mean that it's acceptable.
So, you are correct.
But please don't try it in real life.

Guts said:
I’m attempting to prove a point to a stubborn family member.

At what temperature would an adult redfoots life genuinely be at risk when being kept outdoors without any sort of shelter.

His current opinion is that 50 degrees when the previous day didn’t get above a sunny 65 is completely fine and not a hazard to the tortoise. (I brought the tort inside no worries)

Lock the relative outside in 50 degree weather for 12 hours with no clothes, coat, heat or blankets. I'm thinking their mind might change on leaving the tort outside.

ZEROPILOT · Mar 13, 2021

Jan A said:
Lock the relative outside in 50 degree weather for 12 hours with no clothes, coat, heat or blankets. I'm thinking their mind might change on leaving the tort outside.

Maybe.
But at least humans are warm blooded.
Tortoises aren't.
It wouldn't be the same.

How cold is too cold for an adult redfoot

Guts

Active Member

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER

Jan A

Well-Known Member

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER

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