Sulcata outdoor in Dubai winter?

[deserttort]

Hi all, lots of conflicting and generic info so asking specifics here.

I live in Dubai with 3 greeks and have recently adopted a juvenile sulcata (housed completely seperately). We have a big garden and she happily free ranges. Shelly is approx 5 years old, 18 inch carapace and 10 kg weight. Winter is approaching. Historically, I've let my greeks stay outdoors (they bury, get less active but no brumation). With the new sulcata, really confused about whether I can safely leave her outside throughout the winter.

I've pasted weather data below; it's definitely not cold enough for brumation (not that sullies do that) and there's plenty of sun even in peak winter days. Also, the climate is very similar to her home region in the Sahel.

A few options I'm considering for winter;

1. Leave her outdoors through the night like (but not with!) the greeks - she'll find a cozy spot or burrow. I haven't seen any burrowing yet, but the outdoor furniture covers have become her defacto hide. Ideal option if this is OK
2. Bring her indoors during the night or when especially cold outside. Indoor temps are around 70F. I don't want to build an actual indoor habitat, simply have her occupy a cozy nook of the house, likely one of the less used toilets
3. Build her a shaded hide outside, sheltered from wind and dew. Because of how our backyard is set up, I won't be able to provide a heat lamp outdoors
4. Other that doesn't involve creating a dedicated indoor habitat

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[wellington]

Sulcatas need to be able to stay warm, 80F. You need to build an insulated and heated night box that she goes into when she wants during the day and gets locked into every night.

 

[Tom]

Hi all, lots of conflicting and generic info so asking specifics here.

I live in Dubai with 3 greeks and have recently adopted a juvenile sulcata (housed completely seperately). We have a big garden and she happily free ranges. Shelly is approx 5 years old, 18 inch carapace and 10 kg weight. Winter is approaching. Historically, I've let my greeks stay outdoors (they bury, get less active but no brumation). With the new sulcata, really confused about whether I can safely leave her outside throughout the winter.

I've pasted weather data below; it's definitely not cold enough for brumation (not that sullies do that) and there's plenty of sun even in peak winter days. Also, the climate is very similar to her home region in the Sahel.

A few options I'm considering for winter;

1. Leave her outdoors through the night like (but not with!) the greeks - she'll find a cozy spot or burrow. I haven't seen any burrowing yet, but the outdoor furniture covers have become her defacto hide. Ideal option if this is OK
2. Bring her indoors during the night or when especially cold outside. Indoor temps are around 70F. I don't want to build an actual indoor habitat, simply have her occupy a cozy nook of the house, likely one of the less used toilets
3. Build her a shaded hide outside, sheltered from wind and dew. Because of how our backyard is set up, I won't be able to provide a heat lamp outdoors
4. Other that doesn't involve creating a dedicated indoor habitat

Thanks in advance!!!

View attachment 362980

As Wellington explained, you need a thermostat controlled shelter that stays 80 at night. Then your tortoise will simply retire to its shelter every night and you can shut the door to keep it warm and safe. Then, open the door each morning and the tortoise will come out when it is ready. And your tortoise is too large for heat lamps anymore.

Your greeks should have a similar shelter, but with lower night temps.

Here are two examples:

Single Tortoise Night Box

I like my larger tortoises to live outside full time. My climate permits this year round with a little help. For people who live where it snows all winter, this type of box is still good for warmer weather, getting them out earlier in Spring, and keeping them out a bit later into fall. You'll...

tortoiseforum.org

Double Door Night Box

As the years have gone by and I build more of these boxes, I learn more and more each time. This one is the latest and I incorporated everything I've learned over the years. I also tried to take lots of pics so I can explain in more detail some of what is going on. It will take multiple posts to...

tortoiseforum.org