Heating outdoor tortoise

[Sakbiyikian]

We just finished a beautiful, insulated house which has UV lighting as well as a Kane heat mat. We noticed that the interior temperature drops to around 60 and are wondering if we should also build in ceramic heat to keep the interior warmer. The Kane mat has its on thermostat which is at 80 and she does lay on it but since this is the first time she’ll be out all winter, we want her to be safe and comfortable. We also have a retractable awning which will protect the house from rain. We live in central CA but the nights do drop to 30/40’s. Any thoughts will be appreciated

 

[Tom]

What size house? What size and species of tortoise?

Heat mats alone won't do it. CHEs should not be used for larger species. RHPs (radiant heat panels) are usually the best way to go.

What size heat mat? In an insulated box, the heat mat alone should keep it warmer than that with the warm weather we'v been having. Where is the thermostat's probe? It should be far away from the heating elements.

Can we see pics of the tortoise house?