Baby sulcata outside enclosure.

Jay1718

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Jul 15, 2017
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South Carolina, USA
Hi all. I built an outdoor enclosure for my baby sulcata. It is 4'x8', and portable. I placed it in the yard that gets full sun to get the morning sun before it gets too hot. I know natural sunlight is best for them, but I don't want him to over heat when it gets hot. I have shade provided and also some slate style rocks in the enclosure. I only leave him out there for about and hr or so in the mornings I'm off, 3 to 4 days a week. The temps are usually between 70 and 90 degrees.
My question, I just pulled my temp gun out and took the surface temps of the rocks they are like 130 degrees in the mid day sun. It's only 85 degrees outside. The shaded area is sitting at about 89 degrees.
Should I remove the rocks? Are they getting too hot? I can move the enclosure to a partial shaded area, the placement was strictly for the morning sun. Any suggestions or tips.
Sorry this is a bit wordy
 

wellington

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Remove the rocks they aren't needed outside and provide plenty of shade. Also give water and to up humidity, spray the enclosure before you put him in it.
 

Tom

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In summer I shoot for at least 3/4 of the enclosure in heavy shade. Not a flowerpot on its side, or some stacked rocks. Those sort of things really heat up in the sun, as you've already seen. I'm talking about full, deep shade from a big tree or building of some sort. Something high overhead.

Sprinklers and misters help keep things cooler too. The better planted things are the cooler it will be too. Lots of bushes and plants in the enclosure will help. You can use potted plants if its more convenient in your little baby enclosure.

For little ones, I usually only do about one hour of outside time per inch of tortoise.
 

Jay1718

New Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2017
Messages
19
Location (City and/or State)
South Carolina, USA
In summer I shoot for at least 3/4 of the enclosure in heavy shade. Not a flowerpot on its side, or some stacked rocks. Those sort of things really heat up in the sun, as you've already seen. I'm talking about full, deep shade from a big tree or building of some sort. Something high overhead.

Sprinklers and misters help keep things cooler too. The better planted things are the cooler it will be too. Lots of bushes and plants in the enclosure will help. You can use potted plants if its more convenient in your little baby enclosure.

For little ones, I usually only do about one hour of outside time per inch of tortoise.
Cool deal, I will move the enclosure into the shade. It makes good since and seems safer. Thanks
 

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