Night box temps

[Betsy]

So we are building a 10x12 insulated shed this year for the growing torts winter housing. I plan on having the appropriate daytime lights, UVA/UVB lights, as well as an oil heater to maintain 85 at all times. I will also be building one of @Tom night boxes and having it in a corner for when he really needs to warm up after a bout around the yard (he’s so curious about snow).

My question is, if I keep the whole shed at 85, what temp should the night box be? With a RHP and a mat in there, since he’s too big now to warm up from overhead lights.

Do I even need to heat the box if the whole shed is at 85? He doesn’t bask anymore but I thought he still needed a spot to reach 90+? Or am I wrong?

 

[Tom]

Where are you?

What you will discover is that it is hard to evenly heat a 6 foot air space. Where will it be 85 in your walk-in shed? At eye level, or on the floor. 10-15 degree difference is pretty normal between eye level and a floor. Heat rises. A ceiling fan on low, or even a small household type fan can help mitigate this effect and push the hot air down. Just be aware of this and do lots of testing with a digital thermometer that records highs and lows to make sure your tortoise isn't too cold down on the floor, even though it feels warm in the shed.

I would keep the floor of the shed around 80-82 24/7, and then have the night box heat up into the high 80s or low 90s during the day. The night box can be off at night as long as the whole shed remains 80-82 on the floor. I would consider a daytime temp of around 90ish warm enough for a sulcata to function in a cold winter. Mid 90s would be even better.

Finally, I know that it is common practice, and I've seen the pictures too, but it is my firm belief that no tropical tortoise should ever be exposed to snow or freezing temperatures. It is not good for them, even if the owners find it amusing.