Re: Planning ahead for winter quarters..please advise

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ]

Posted by Westfork on August 21, 2001 at 22:54:06:

In Reply to: Planning ahead for winter quarters..please advise posted by Zab on August 21, 2001 at 09:30:34:

I am currently building a new fall/spring shed for my tortoises. They outgrew an insulated doghouse with an electric pig mat on the floor. I like the design where the insulated sidewalls are three to four feet tall and the entire roof hinges for easy access. One of the newer efficient heating elements (plus a backup) on a thermostat would work well. I leave them outside with access to the heated house until nighttime temperatures get down to about 10f (the doghouse could still maintain 85 degree interior temperatures at this level.) I used to let them decide when they were comfortable coming out. However, several times this spring I caught them out grazing in the mornings when it was 27f before the sun reached them. No adverse affects but now the door stays locked until it is at least fifty degrees and sunny outside. Their body mass (about 50#) lets them get away with this, but I am concerned about the cold air in their lungs. They've been doing this for five years without a single sick day but in the new larger shed the door stays locked on cold days.
Lloyd

Follow Ups:

I'd love to see some pics! Please share! np Niki 08/23/01 (1)
- Re: I'd love to see some pics! Please share! np Lloyd 08/24/01 (0)

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: I am currently building a new fall/spring shed for my tortoises. They outgrew an insulated doghouse with an electric pig mat on the floor. I like the design where the insulated sidewalls are three to four feet tall and the entire roof hinges for easy access. One of the newer efficient heating elements (plus a backup) on a thermostat would work well. I leave them outside with access to the heated house until nighttime temperatures get down to about 10f (the doghouse could still maintain 85 degree interior temperatures at this level.) I used to let them decide when they were comfortable coming out. However, several times this spring I caught them out grazing in the mornings when it was 27f before the sun reached them. No adverse affects but now the door stays locked until it is at least fifty degrees and sunny outside. Their body mass (about 50#) lets them get away with this, but I am concerned about the cold air in their lungs. They've been doing this for five years without a single sick day but in the new larger shed the door stays locked on cold days. : Lloyd

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Tortoise Forum ]