small outdoor heated hide

[lynnedit]

I am currently working on my outdoor enclosure for my 2 new adult Russian Torts (darting out between rain and hail storms, sometimes in them ). Being in the NW, I am paying particular attention to drainage. Thus, it will be a raised bed, which does limit size to some extent.
I have searched the forum, but most references to heated outdoor enclosures are for sheds.
I hope to put in a small heated insulated hide, perhaps 2.5W X 2H X 18" high. I have seen reference to the Reptitherm Habitat Heater by ZooMed. Since it is safe outdoors and can be used on the ceiling, built in thermostat, etc., I thought it might work with a lower ceiling. I am a bit nervous about light fixtures in smaller hides.
Does anyone have experience with this?

PS. I will try to post pics soon.

 

[yagyujubei]

I had a large well insulated dog house that I was able to heat all winter with just a light bulb. 2" rigid styrofoam (blue board)will give you about r10. If you insulate the floor as well, it will be much easier to maintain temperatures.

 

[motero]

A pad and maybe a heat cable, you can run the heat cable around the walls and roof attached with tape or staples. I would like to see what you come up with?

 

[Missy]

How about a pig matt? I use one in the basement for Lana, not sure f they are outdoor safe.

 

[lynnedit]

Yes, I was looking at those too. The Reptitherm pad seems similar: heavy duty waterrpoof plastic, etc., but is marked 'for outdoor and indoor use'. Not a bad price. More variation in size with the pig blanket, so will keep that option open.

How about a pig matt? I use one in the basement for Lana, not sure f they are outdoor safe.

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Great idea, I could start with the pad heater on the roof, and add side (outdoor) cables if can't maintain warmth. Will keep that in mind.

A pad and maybe a heat cable, you can run the heat cable around the walls and roof attached with tape or staples. I would like to see what you come up with?