Re: Amount of space needed to house an adult sulcata for winter?

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Posted by William on October 24, 2001 at 15:46:46:

In Reply to: Re: Amount of space needed to house an adult sulcata for winter? posted by Lloyd on October 24, 2001 at 09:58:51:

Thank you for responding Lloyd, I did not realize that tortoises could live out of doors in such cold weather. Obviously I would love to have my potential sulcata spend as much time out doors as possible. I live in Connecticut which is subject to moderate to severe weather in the true winter months and quite variable weather in the transition months. As the saying goes, if you don't like the weather in New England wait 5 minutes. Provided I gave him/her access to a heated shelter, at what temp. would I have to bring the sulcata in for the winter? Would an early frost or dusting of snow effect the tortoise? Thank You again, William.

William,
: Six months is an awfully long indoor period for tortoises. I live in the upper midwest and have found that my tropical tortoises only have to be inside for 4 to 5 months of the year. They easily adapt to a heated outdoor house into which they retreat on cold nights and are content to spend a few cold, wet days there also. My guys are still outside even though the temperatures have already been in the teens. They stay at their preferred temperature inside their house and come outside to bask as conditions suit them. This time of year (late October) they are only out basking and grazing for about five hours a day but this is better that total indoor confinement. Just some thoughts, and a lot would depend upon your climate. If you house tortoises in your house consider a separate ventilation system for the room - Kind of like keeping an elephant in the house.
: Lloyd

: : I have a 20ftX16ft room that would be available to house an adult sulcata for approximatley 6 months out of the year during the colder months. The tortoise would live outdoors in a spacious enclosure for the warmer months. Would this set up be capable of raising a happy healthy sulcata? Keep in mind I do not have one yet, I am just planning ahead. Thanks, William

Follow Ups:

Again, bad idea. Marissa-Turtle Homes 10/25/01 (0)
Re: Amount of space needed to house an adult sulcata for winter? Lloyd 10/24/01 (0)

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: Thank you for responding Lloyd, I did not realize that tortoises could live out of doors in such cold weather. Obviously I would love to have my potential sulcata spend as much time out doors as possible. I live in Connecticut which is subject to moderate to severe weather in the true winter months and quite variable weather in the transition months. As the saying goes, if you don't like the weather in New England wait 5 minutes. Provided I gave him/her access to a heated shelter, at what temp. would I have to bring the sulcata in for the winter? Would an early frost or dusting of snow effect the tortoise? Thank You again, William. : : William, : : Six months is an awfully long indoor period for tortoises. I live in the upper midwest and have found that my tropical tortoises only have to be inside for 4 to 5 months of the year. They easily adapt to a heated outdoor house into which they retreat on cold nights and are content to spend a few cold, wet days there also. My guys are still outside even though the temperatures have already been in the teens. They stay at their preferred temperature inside their house and come outside to bask as conditions suit them. This time of year (late October) they are only out basking and grazing for about five hours a day but this is better that total indoor confinement. Just some thoughts, and a lot would depend upon your climate. If you house tortoises in your house consider a separate ventilation system for the room - Kind of like keeping an elephant in the house. : : Lloyd : : : I have a 20ftX16ft room that would be available to house an adult sulcata for approximatley 6 months out of the year during the colder months. The tortoise would live outdoors in a spacious enclosure for the warmer months. Would this set up be capable of raising a happy healthy sulcata? Keep in mind I do not have one yet, I am just planning ahead. Thanks, William

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