Thanks for the info Neltharion. More food for thought. I'd really like to see pics of your animals and their enclosures. I can PM you my email if that would be easier for you. I'm trying to learn all I can before I jump in with both feet.
GB, which Testudo species do you think would do the best in my climate here in the Southern CA Desert? I mean in a "put them outside and let mother nature do the rest" situation. I would also provide an underground shelter to help them avoid either of the extremes of hot or cold. We have intermittent below freezing nights from Dec through Feb. It only dips into the high 20's occasionally. The rest of the year nights are in the 40s-50s. Through all summer night temps are in the 60's. Day temps are 50's-60's through most of winter with occasional warm spells. 70's and 80's most of the year in Spring and Fall, and most summer days are around 100 with occasional spikes up to 118.
I will know for sure this winter, but I think ground temps in one of my shelters will stay in the 45-50 degree range with no heat.
GB, which Testudo species do you think would do the best in my climate here in the Southern CA Desert? I mean in a "put them outside and let mother nature do the rest" situation. I would also provide an underground shelter to help them avoid either of the extremes of hot or cold. We have intermittent below freezing nights from Dec through Feb. It only dips into the high 20's occasionally. The rest of the year nights are in the 40s-50s. Through all summer night temps are in the 60's. Day temps are 50's-60's through most of winter with occasional warm spells. 70's and 80's most of the year in Spring and Fall, and most summer days are around 100 with occasional spikes up to 118.
I will know for sure this winter, but I think ground temps in one of my shelters will stay in the 45-50 degree range with no heat.