Burrowing

[Rosika McKinney]

We are the new owners of a 25year old sulcata... we have him set up in a fairly large, shaded section of our yard. He has yet to dig a burrow but we were wondering if there are any suggestions you may have for guided his burrow away from the foundation of our house or block fence. Thanks!

 

[Yvonne G]

As long as you provide a shed or shelter where he can cool down in hot weather and stay warm in cold weather, he may not dig a burrow. I've had Dudley for over 10 years and he has never dug a burrow.

A link to the thread about Dudley's shelter:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/dudleys-rebuild.111350/

 

[Tom]

We are the new owners of a 25year old sulcata... we have him set up in a fairly large, shaded section of our yard. He has yet to dig a burrow but we were wondering if there are any suggestions you may have for guided his burrow away from the foundation of our house or block fence. Thanks!

Hello and welcome. I encourage mine to dig where I want them to by starting their burrow for them where I want it in summer. Like this:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/sulcata-burrows.50846/

Be aware that when night temps start dropping, you'll need to catch him above ground and block off the burrow. You'll need to make him a temperature controlled night box like this: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
Or this: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/

 

[TortSpeed]

As long as you provide a shed or shelter where he can cool down in hot weather and stay warm in cold weather, he may not dig a burrow. I've had Dudley for over 10 years and he has never dug a burrow.

A link to the thread about Dudley's shelter:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/dudleys-rebuild.111350/

This is the kind of info I’m looking for...

I live in SW Florida... I’m not sure why he started burrowing. It’s not hot at all, around 75 F and he started burrowing in the corner...

Tonight is 65 F and he has not burrowed. In fact he has moved the cage over a bit more towards a grassy bottom instead of dirt. I assume the dirt is cooler to lay on.

If I were to build him an enclosure with a wood bottom and have both a cool and warm area, will he not burrow at all???

That is my main question. Thx