Thoughts on cold frames?

[Elliriyanna]

I am in zone 6-7 and considering if a cold frame would be a viable option for a Central American ornate turtle for the winter. I would like to be able to keep him / her in a good enclosure size all year round and that would be much easier outside if I could find a safe, viable option

 

[Yvonne G]

I doubt it would be warm enough.

 

[Elliriyanna]

I doubt it would be warm enough.

Is there anything I could insulate more to be suitable?

 

[wellington]

Cold frames are only good when the sun is out. Once it goes down and gets cold so will the cold frame.

 

[Elliriyanna]

Cold frames are only good when the sun is out. Once it goes down and gets cold so will the cold frame.

Yeah thats part of why I was asking about add ons or modifications. I understand it would not work out of the box but I was hoping with a cold box around the enclosure and maybe supplemental heat or something it could work. Bouncing around ideas currently

 

[wellington]

Yeah thats part of why I was asking about add ons or modifications. I understand it would not work out of the box but I was hoping with a cold box around the enclosure and maybe supplemental heat or something it could work. Bouncing around ideas currently

I didn't see where you asked for modifications or add ons.
With added heat, like an oil filled portable radiator it might work but it will not be easy to keep heated and depending on how cold you get it likely wouldn't heat it warm enough.
For next winter, you could build an insulated heated shed that is attached to its outside area. Then in fall, s/he could have the heated shed to be in with access to outside only when warm enough.

 

[Elliriyanna]

I didn't see where you asked for modifications or add ons.
With added heat, like an oil filled portable radiator it might work but it will not be easy to keep heated and depending on how cold you get it likely wouldn't heat it warm enough.
For next winter, you could build an insulated heated shed that is attached to its outside area. Then in fall, s/he could have the heated shed to be in with access to outside only when warm enough.

Sorry, I thought I had typed it. I could do something electric and have it by the house. My turtle will still be very young to be out next winter I’m currently trying to figure out any viable options so I am not rebuilding year after year as it grows

 

[wellington]

Post a pic of what he's in now that you want to try and extend the season for. Maybe that will help to give us ideas.

 

[Elliriyanna]

Post a pic of what he's in now that you want to try and extend the season for. Maybe that will help to give us ideas.

It will be a whole new build, this is a month old r.p.manni being kept fully aquatic so it’s going to be very different once it transfers to terrestrial. Currently being kept indoor only due to age and temperatures

 

[wellington]

It will be a whole new build, this is a month old r.p.manni being kept fully aquatic so it’s going to be very different once it transfers to terrestrial. Currently being kept indoor only due to age and temperatures

So your not looking for now, but when he gets bigger?

 

[Elliriyanna]

So your not looking for now, but when he gets bigger?

yes I am trying to figure out actual options for the future so I have time to research more and build them properly. I just learned this is going to entail a bit more than my initial research showed ( limited care sheets and in depth care information on the species) so I am trying to pivot and learn as much as I can for long term care.

 

[mark1]

keeping them outside is a great idea..... keeping them outside in the winter might not be a great idea........ 40-50 degrees for too long would kill them.....

 

[Elliriyanna]

keeping them outside is a great idea..... keeping them outside in the winter might not be a great idea........ 40-50 degrees for too long would kill them.....

Obviously if I can’t get it to work safely it’s not actually a viable option and I will house them indoors. I just would hate to give them a smaller enclosure all winter if I don’t have to. I’m also
Considering the garage to allow for a larger enclosure but again temps are a concern. Lots of ideals just have to figure out what could actually work and go from there