Outdoor redfoot enclosure in Arizona. How do I keep the heat down/humidity up?

[Kapidolo Farms]

There are days that it gets to hot for the Manouria I have, even in Carlsbad CA. I made a fake palm forest by using a post hole digger and making hole two foot deep, then pushing many palm fronds into the holes. It would look better if they were all alive for me, but the tortoises seem to like it.

like this http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/case-file-on-darth.116347/page-3#post-1128395

 

[Redfoot NERD]

You will have to build a virtual 'greenhouse/rain-forest' since that is basically what these creatures are - most all of us have to create 'something' to keep their needs balanced -- heat / light / temps / diet - that's all.

 

[Yvonne G]

That was a good idea you did there

Mr. Smarty pants! Everyone: Actually, Will did the T-post/drip pipe thing in my rainforest!

 

[rachelmick15]

These are all wonderful ideas and I'm sure they will make my tortellini's enclosure more comfortable!

 

[David Schmidt]

You could plant a fruit tree on the outside of the enclosure to try and provide some shade and when she fruit drops its a nice treat fro your rf

 

[theguy67]

I live in central Texas, and in the dead of summer, we have days that are in the low 100s. Although, Texas is more suitable for Redfoots, I see no reason you can't keep them with proper precautions.

I provided burrows for my adults to escape the heat, and have access to moisture at the same time. I wouldn't only bury the hides a little underground, but completely below the surface, even if you have to create a mound. They use the below burrows all the time. which are now covered with dirt and mulch. I agree with the other suggestions. More foliage/shade, the better. My redfoots are more active now that my tree canopy is finally forming.




Mine also have access to an indoor area which has a dirt floor, and a concrete portion, which stays somewhat cooler than outside. They even laid eggs inside last year. If you want to go "all out" a green house with an evaporative cooler might work in your area. If you could get one large enough, they could have perfect conditions all year, or go with a smaller one that they have access to.

 

[Gillian M]

Hi. Do you give your tort(s) daily soaks in warm water?

A lovely home!

 

[rachelmick15]

Right now it's every other day but I may start bumping it up to daily.

 

[Gillian M]

Right now it's every other day but I may start bumping it up to daily.

I'd suggest a soak each and every day. If it gets hot then consider two soaks. It won't hurt/harm a tort.