Guidelines on outside enclosure

[Scm133]

I have a sulcata hatchling which I bought on 9-18-13. He is still small at 47 grams. I take him out 2 x daily for 30 minutes to run around in the yard. He loves it!!! I am in the process of building an enclosure with landscape timbers. I live in Florida, and our temps and humidity are good, right now. What are the guidelines as far as time wise and according to their age, that they can spend outside? His inside enclosure is temp and humidity monitored because he is a baby, but he definitely is more active outside. As soon as I set him down, the head goes up, and he runs all over the place. Amazed at how fast those tiny chunky legs can move.

 

[RuthJanice]

Your sully is very cute. If you look at the link below, Tom describes both indoors and outdoor enclosures.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-79895.html

 

[Masin]

We're in Fl too Welcome! Hope you guys get your outdoor set up going! If you're in a pinch and want to keep him out while you construct one you can create a simple one with an inexpensive plastic kid pool! That'll let your little one enjoy some time outside while you work

 

[Scm133]

We're in Fl too Welcome! Hope you guys get your outdoor set up going! If you're in a pinch and want to keep him out while you construct one you can create a simple one with an inexpensive plastic kid pool! That'll let your little one enjoy some time outside while you work

Thanks! I forgot about the kiddie pool.

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Your sully is very cute. If you look at the link below, Tom describes both indoors and outdoor enclosures.
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-79895.html

Thanks!! I have read and re-read...trying to do everything right. At what age/size can they be left outside all day, of course in the proper setup?

 

[Livingstone]

Guidelines:
Mix of shade and direct sunlight.
Safe housing constructed to withstand a sulcata.
As much space as possible.
Solid walls that he/she cant see through.
Capped corners so there's no temptation to climb out.

 

[Scm133]

Thanks everyone! He is spending one hour each day outside, and loving it. When can I increase his outside time to two hours?

 

[Scm133]

Thanks everyone! He is spending one hour each day outside, and loving it. When can I increase his outside time to two hours?

I found this on the forum by Tom, and it answered my question:
"Hatchlings I will only leave out for an hour or two. By 4" I'll leave them for 3-4 hours. Once they are 6-8" or so, I don't think it matters at all any more, as long as they are hydrated. All ages get a good warm soak as I bring them in from sunning. Once mine are around 10" or so they move outside permanently."