Hi, I have a 3 year old african tortuous. I was wondering when can I put him out side. Also I live in Austin Texas so is it good for him when I put him outside?
I agree with the above - that small a size would have me worried to put him outside. What are you feeding him and how are you housing him now? I'd up the baths to daily. Dehydration is a big concern with little tortoises, especially if you're somewhere hot and dry.
I am also really worried for his size too. So I'm hoping putting him outside will help with that. But his outside habitat will be covered in a gated area
Putting him outside would be good but a few things come into play, is the yard chemical free so he could eat grass and weeds. You will only want to put him out for a little while starting out and watch him closely. After you bring him inside its a must that he be soaked.
Hatchlings can go outside from day one, but you'll need a safe, secure enclosure and they shouldn't be out for too long. I let larger ones stay outside longer and longer and I move them outside full time with a heated night box when they reach about 8-10". This is usually at around 12-18 months.
Its a salad mix, and thank you for the info. But the tortuous is my half sister pet ( she's 8) and I only see it every other weekend. But I make sure its feed and taken care of. And that is why I am here to make sure that the care it is in is good.
Coco coir would be best, it will hold much needed humidity for the little one. If you can post a picture of the enclosure to let us see what we can do to help.
I'm far from an expert but I've read all the care sheets and looked at enough "ideal" enclosure setups to be able to say that the tank is tiny and the water dish needs to go, to begin with. I'll post my tank because it's the only setup I have saved on my phone, others could show you even better.