Is this normal?

Jillyp · 31-08-2008, 06:45 PM

I've got an indoor and outdoor set up - outdoor for most of the time (and that's what they're used to) but I put them in the indoor one when the weathers foul and at night. They really don't seem to like the indoor one.

I want them to get used to the indoor one so that I can minimize the hibernation period.

Is this switching between the two a good idea or am I messing them up?

**Eire_Ade** · 31-08-2008, 07:19 PM

Hi Jill,

Sounds perfectly normal behavior, tortoises do prefer the good outdoors, but like you say you are bringing them in for their own welfare, so they will basically have to like it or lump it.

Your torts will get used to being indoors, they might not approve straight away but they will get there in the end.

I hope this helps.

sandy · 31-08-2008, 07:38 PM

I think you will find that once the colder weather comes they will be quite happy to be inside. All tortoises sense the warmer weather outside and just want to be out there<g>.
Go by what your tortoise is telling you, they do know better than us<g>.

Jillyp · 31-08-2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks for your replies.

So, with the temperatures as they are at the moment, should they be inside or outside at night? (I did have a major panic at 4 am. today and went outside to check on them as it was colder than I expected and they had burrowed down in the pebbles for teh night).

**Bindi** · 31-08-2008, 08:26 PM

I would keep an eye on your local weather forecast, and get an outdoor thermometer. As long as the temps stay at above 10 degrees and they have somewhere dry and protected to sleep they should be ok. You can always bring them in for a warm-up in the morning

Bindi

**Eire_Ade** · 31-08-2008, 08:26 PM

Hi Jill,

If temperatures drop below 10 degrees then its time to keep them indoors at night. It is always better to be safe than sorry too, we are closely approaching a temperature range at night when they will be indoors.

Madhouse · 31-08-2008, 10:18 PM

My lot are out all day but sleep inside and then go out in the morning - they're all used to it and seem very happy

Jillyp · 01-09-2008, 12:01 AM

Thanks again. I did bring them in tonight and they burrowed down , no problems.

Pussygalore · 01-09-2008, 07:40 AM

one thing make sure its not to warm inside for them, they don't need any heat at night if in the house, if the indoor enclosure is to warm they won't settle they need a distinct drop in temps at night to sleep.

Jillyp · 01-09-2008, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pussygalore

one thing make sure its not to warm inside for them, they don't need any heat at night if in the house, if the indoor enclosure is to warm they won't settle they need a distinct drop in temps at night to sleep.

Aaah! So that's why they didn't appear to sleep on the nights I kept them in.

31-08-2008, 06:45 PM	#1
Jillyp Member Hatchling Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 727	Is this normal? I've got an indoor and outdoor set up - outdoor for most of the time (and that's what they're used to) but I put them in the indoor one when the weathers foul and at night. They really don't seem to like the indoor one. I want them to get used to the indoor one so that I can minimize the hibernation period. Is this switching between the two a good idea or am I messing them up? __________________ Jill

31-08-2008, 07:19 PM	#2
Eire_Ade Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,422	Hi Jill, Sounds perfectly normal behavior, tortoises do prefer the good outdoors, but like you say you are bringing them in for their own welfare, so they will basically have to like it or lump it. Your torts will get used to being indoors, they might not approve straight away but they will get there in the end. I hope this helps. __________________ Ade ----------------------------------------------- Y.O.B 1971 (40 years young! ) My Tortoises :- Dug (Testudo Graeca Ibera Terrestris (Syrian), Penny, JJ (JennyJack), Buttons and Gem (Testudo Graeca Ibera)

31-08-2008, 07:38 PM	#3
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	I think you will find that once the colder weather comes they will be quite happy to be inside. All tortoises sense the warmer weather outside and just want to be out there<g>. Go by what your tortoise is telling you, they do know better than us<g>. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

31-08-2008, 08:13 PM	#4
Jillyp Member Hatchling Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 727	Thanks for your replies. So, with the temperatures as they are at the moment, should they be inside or outside at night? (I did have a major panic at 4 am. today and went outside to check on them as it was colder than I expected and they had burrowed down in the pebbles for teh night). __________________ Jill

31-08-2008, 08:26 PM	#6
Eire_Ade Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,422	Hi Jill, If temperatures drop below 10 degrees then its time to keep them indoors at night. It is always better to be safe than sorry too, we are closely approaching a temperature range at night when they will be indoors. __________________ Ade ----------------------------------------------- Y.O.B 1971 (40 years young! ) My Tortoises :- Dug (Testudo Graeca Ibera Terrestris (Syrian), Penny, JJ (JennyJack), Buttons and Gem (Testudo Graeca Ibera)

31-08-2008, 08:26 PM	#5
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	I would keep an eye on your local weather forecast, and get an outdoor thermometer. As long as the temps stay at above 10 degrees and they have somewhere dry and protected to sleep they should be ok. You can always bring them in for a warm-up in the morning Bindi

31-08-2008, 10:18 PM	#7
Madhouse Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cornwall Posts: 1,020	My lot are out all day but sleep inside and then go out in the morning - they're all used to it and seem very happy __________________ Steph - Wife to an ever patient hubby, Mum to four children, 2 dogs, cat, 3 newts, numerous fish, an eel, 3 dwarf hamsters, my 2 baby torts Mickey & Theo (Med. spur thighs) and Mr Grumpyboots Harries (Adult male Horsfield)

01-09-2008, 12:01 AM	#8
Jillyp Member Hatchling Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 727	Thanks again. I did bring them in tonight and they burrowed down , no problems. __________________ Jill

01-09-2008, 07:40 AM	#9
Pussygalore Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cambridge Posts: 6,479	one thing make sure its not to warm inside for them, they don't need any heat at night if in the house, if the indoor enclosure is to warm they won't settle they need a distinct drop in temps at night to sleep.

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