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Definitely wouldn’t let them out if it’s 22° outside, but if you need an enclosure for most days at any given stretch, you probably need an oil radiator heated 10x10 shed with its own heated hide box. Today it’s raining here at 50°. Kaiju isn’t outside full time yet, but my dry run of the less...

I sandwiched 2 X foam insulated panels with insulating foam spray and used even more spray as adhesive to the exterior wall. Went heavier because it can get into 40s here sometimes 38!

Almost done. Need to drop the IR panel with chains and add insulation to the ceiling. Will also re-trim out the door and add better door hardware (not liking the cheap stuff on there). Need heavy plastic strips for the entry too. Turned out okay. Thanks Tom

I don't really have any / take any / post any online. Maybe one day.

Just reviving this to report back 3 years later. I am the type of person that really likes to analyze and red team or steel man my own position to the extent possible and will always listen to reason. I have not kept my tortoise outside except to graze when it's sunny and I can get a good laser...

I couldn’t edit, I meant the end of winter*** not summer. Sorry.

Your experiences are based solely on your own climate. That’s the problem. So when you say “ground temps stay x” all year long. That isn’t true. Soil density and makeup have a lot to do with that. Ground temperatures in the Sahel are no 80-85F year round. It’s basic climate data available to...

I respectfully disagree. This is not true. The region is narrow, but long. The mean annual temp for the whole region is 64F because temperatures swing dramatically. It could be in the 90s today, but that temperature will drop to 66F or lower before the Sun comes back up the next day. These...

Again, good points for the assumption that these tortoises—as adults—“live” in 85-90°+ weather that is oppressively humid. They exist there, but they are adapted to be virtually inactive until the temps come within tolerances much lower around dawn and dusk (another surprise, when predators are...

That is what I was looking for someone to tell me. They spend 95% of their lives in a burrow up to 10’ deep. They spend the hottest and driest days in a muggy burrow that is about 65-70° and full of urine and feces. Someone else mentioned KampKennan and the Phoenix episode. Dozens of tortoises...

Thanks, I live closer to the coast. The plan is to do the heated box and sort out the yard/orchard. I’m more concerned with raccoons than anything so size—before going outdoors—is a major concern.

this is awesome thanks for sharing!

This is very sad and I’m really sorry that your tortoise had to go through all of that. Was there snow on the ground most of those four months or just too much rain? I’m trying to understand why he was locked up and not able to move between the heated exterior to soak up some internal temp and...

I understand that you have been on this forum for quite some time and have lots of experience in your region. However, can you provide any source for the claim that a Sulcata—once grown—should not live outside with a full-time heated hide to come into and out of unless you live in a “warmer”...

I've been reading online for a couple of days, but the closest topic I could find was from Joe's Mum about blue slate and UK weather. I am hoping one of the experienced members can set me straight here because the info is varied. I knew that our Sulcata would get big, but I thought we would...

Thanks for the warm welcome! I’ll work on posting photos soon. Although this is my first tort, I had raised dozens of reptiles prior to going off to school etc. At that time, I used an excellent reptile specialty shop to find everyone a good home. I think I’m also one of only a handful to have...

Thanks for the warm welcome! I’ll work on posting photos soon. Although this is my first tort, I had raised dozens of reptiles prior to going off to school etc. At that time, I used an excellent reptile specialty shop to find everyone a good home. I think I’m also one of only a handful to have...

Hi! I recently adopted a 1-2 year old “palm sized” Sulcata. I live in central California where I own my home with a large backyard and a whole lotta plants! I’ve done some searching, but the information seems to be based on lots of personal experience and varies quite a bit. Our coastal...