How big/old must a Sulcata tortoise be to live in an open outdoor enclosure?

Jenna524

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I have been planning to adopt a large adult Sulcata, but recently was offered a local rehoming adoption of a 2 year old Sulcata tortoise (maybe 8-10 inches). He is currently living in an outdoor closed/covered enclosure.

We have prepared a non-covered outdoor enclosure for an adult. Would it be too early to consider housing the young 2 year old tortoise in the adult non-covered enclosure? How big/old must a Sulcata tortoise be to live in an open outdoor enclosure? Does it matter that there is no top cover?
 

Tom

The Dog Trainer
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I usually move them outside full time at around 8-10 inches, so you should be good to go if he's been outside a fair amount already.

No problem to have an open topped large enclosure for one this size, but you MUST have a heated night box, and there also needs to be a cooler area to get away from the summer heat. I prefer burrows for summer time. Here are a couple examples to show how to safely and effectively build and heat a large night box:
 
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