Burrow or heated box?

[samsmom]

My 3 yo sulcata has been outside almost a full year now! He has a 3x4 heated house that he stayed in last winter! He dug a burrow this summer and spends his nights there! When the weather starts cooling off will he go back to his box or stay in his burrow? Do I need to fill in the burrow, cover the entrance or just assume he'll be smart enough to know it's too cold to stay out?

 

[Jodie]

I don't have first hand experience with this, but Tom has said he blocks his Sulcatas burrows for winter. I would not trust them to make the right decision.

 

[Alaskamike]

I have this issue with one about the same age. My plan is to block the burrow once night temps drop below 60.
Then he will use his heated box

 

[dmmj]

you think he would be smart enough to go in there and not be cold but I would block it if it was mine.

 

[Gillian M]

I don't really believe that torts are that bright. Sorry, everyone.

 

[Tom]

Its not a question of "smart". Sulcatas just never evolved a mechanism for finding a warm electrically heated box at night. Their burrows in Africa in the wild have protected them and kept them warm for many millennia.

Samsmom, you will need to catch him above ground on a warm day and then either cover the burrow entrance with a sheet a plywood, or fill the burrow in and then cover that area with something to prevent digging until it warms up in late spring.

If its possible, it will make the transition easier if you block him out of that entire area where the burrow is for a few weeks.

 

[samsmom]

Guess I'll have to cover the opening! His burrow is on one end of the 10x5 dog run and his box is on the other end! The dog run is inside another larger fenced area! His enclosure is pretty awesome, filled with plants, grasses, shade and his very own soaking pond! I'm gonna take pictures and post them if I ever get around to it! Thanks to everyone for the advice!

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

We want the pictures!!!!!
Yep, block the burrow...
(i'm only a week late with this.)