We're considering moving our 3yr old EBT outdoors for the summers now that it's gotten older and bigger. I know it's the best thing for it, but I've got a few concerns with the environment we can provide though.
Thinking about building something out of pressure treated landscape timbers. Exact location hasn't been confirmed yet and that will dictate size, but the leading contender would be ~8x2'. We would use chicken wire underneath and on a hinged lid to prevent unwanted escapes and entries. Wherever it goes I'll make it as big as I can.
Our backyard only gets direct sun in the afternoons. I understand constant direct sunlight wouldn't be desireable for a boxie, but this lowers temperatures and could reduce the outdoor season and limit basking opportunities through the day. The front yard is not an option for obvious reasons. Do you think this would be an issue?
What is the minimum acceptable air temp over night for an EBT? Its not something I've dealt with housing indoors and I see different answers when googling. We probably only have the end of June through the end of August where the night time low stays over 15C (60F), even then there will be some exceptions. Will EBTs seek out heated hides when needed? It would probably be an insulated box with heat tape inside, unless somebody has a better suggestion for outdoor heating. I don't want to risk a URI or worse because we forgot him out on a cool night, or went away and the temp dropped. If he won't seek out the warm hide it could be a deal breaker.
Do people use those automated garden misters for outdoor boxie habitats? Do they make a fine enough mist or is it basically just hosing down the habitat? Thought I could set a few of those nozzles up for misting, and have another tube to flush out and fill the water dish daily.
Thanks for any input.
Thinking about building something out of pressure treated landscape timbers. Exact location hasn't been confirmed yet and that will dictate size, but the leading contender would be ~8x2'. We would use chicken wire underneath and on a hinged lid to prevent unwanted escapes and entries. Wherever it goes I'll make it as big as I can.
Our backyard only gets direct sun in the afternoons. I understand constant direct sunlight wouldn't be desireable for a boxie, but this lowers temperatures and could reduce the outdoor season and limit basking opportunities through the day. The front yard is not an option for obvious reasons. Do you think this would be an issue?
What is the minimum acceptable air temp over night for an EBT? Its not something I've dealt with housing indoors and I see different answers when googling. We probably only have the end of June through the end of August where the night time low stays over 15C (60F), even then there will be some exceptions. Will EBTs seek out heated hides when needed? It would probably be an insulated box with heat tape inside, unless somebody has a better suggestion for outdoor heating. I don't want to risk a URI or worse because we forgot him out on a cool night, or went away and the temp dropped. If he won't seek out the warm hide it could be a deal breaker.
Do people use those automated garden misters for outdoor boxie habitats? Do they make a fine enough mist or is it basically just hosing down the habitat? Thought I could set a few of those nozzles up for misting, and have another tube to flush out and fill the water dish daily.
Thanks for any input.