Outdoor housing

[Darren.stanley]

Hi guys i've read so much about tortoises' but I'm a bit confused.

Do all tortoises need heat?
why do tortoises live outside ?

[Suze65]

Originally Posted by Darren.stanley@live.co.uk

Hi guys i've read so much about tortoises' but I'm a bit confused.

Do all tortoises need heat?
why do tortoises live outside ?

Yes they do all need heat, but tortoises like the European Mediterranean tolerate our Cool summers quite well, it's a bit like permanent spring for them, but North African Meds don't tolerate our cool summers quite as well, they need more heat, then there's tropical species and they ( I think) get outside even less) it's a big subject . If you can get them outside as much as possible, depending on where you are, the natural sunlight is by far the best thing for them. Keepers in Scotland tend not to get their torts outside as much as we do in the south. Mine stay out all summer, but with good solid water tight boxes, cold frames( for cooler days) and a shed. If they do not get outside you need to provide a basking spot for heat and a uv light.

[Jan W]

Hi Darren
Look forward to hearing more about Geoffrey and knowing what type of tort he is when the experts on the forum identify him for you.
One more post and then you will find you can get your messages uploaded instantly and of course post photos.
It is a great forum and I have learnt so much and still am.
Jan

[Ozric Jonathan]

I'm in Scotland and my tortoises are not indoors in the summer but they are not exactly outside either! I've got small greenhouse accommodation with basking lamps which are on some of the time. During the daytime there is always an option to go outside into a protected area.

I provide shade inside the small greenhouses as well. Some keepers who have this kind of arrangement lock the tortoises outside when they think the weather is good enough but I leave the choice up to them. The larger the tortoise the more of the time they choose to spend fully outside.

Where I live it's not just the lower temps, it's also the lower amount of sunshine hours which probably matters more than the temperature.

[Darren.stanley]

I van now confirm Geofrey is a male horsefield.
My plans for summer would be an area of around 10ft by 3ft with raised walls complete with clear roof. I intend for him to have a nice home with heat bulb as well just incase he needs a warm. this would be on a timer or thermostat.

So when i say hes going outside he will be toastie warm when he wants to be.
Has anyone else done this would love to see some ideas ?

[Suze65]

In the summer months, give him the freedom to go out or in when he wants to. Horsefield a are hardy, so he probably won't need any extra heat over the summer, just a cold frame for a warming place on cooler days , and a nice water tight box. So he can go where he wants according to weather conditions. Have a look in the housing section, on other people's photos of out soon enclosures.

[Suze65]

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ead.php?t=4920

This is the housing bit with photos, tortoise gardening is such fun !

[Jan W]

Originally Posted by Suze65

http://www.shelledwarriors.co.uk/for...ead.php?t=4920

This is the housing bit with photos, tortoise gardening is such fun !

What a fantastic site - thank you.

Giving me lots more ideas!