Greek tortoise temperature

[JanaeCV]

I know the temperature ranges for greek tortoise habitats. But is there a range for the actual temperature of the tortoise.

 

[tortturt]

ask @Tom

 

[tortturt]

that something he would know or @EppsDynasty

 

[JanaeCV]

Thanks

 

[JanaeCV]

@Tom and/or @Epps dynasty any thoughts on tortoise body temperature

 

[JanaeCV]

@EppsDynasty

 

[Tom]

I know the temperature ranges for greek tortoise habitats. But is there a range for the actual temperature of the tortoise.

Being an ectotherm, the tortoise's body temperature is controlled by the ambient temperature of its environment, and its ability, or lack thereof, to bask during the day time.

Keep the environment in the correct ranges, and provide basking areas in one way or another during the day, and the tortoise will correctly manage its own body temperature.

 

[JanaeCV]

Thanks. Whenever I spot check his shell temperature it's usually around 85-89. Sometimes when he comes out of his hide it's >75. So I was just curious.

 

[EppsDynasty]

The only thing I would add is this ...... Even in small torts it will take some amount of time for the tort to absorb heat. If in the cold section of the enclosure (let's say 70 F) and then moved to the basking spot (let's say 90 F) the tort will take at least an hour to actually warm their body up. This 'warming up/cooling down isn't a couple minute thing. Imagine putting a turkey in the oven (Thanksgiving) at room temp ...... it takes 4 hours at 350 degrees to get it to 165 degrees inside.

 

[JanaeCV]

Good point. Thanks for replying.