Looking for advice

[nateandsherry]

Hello...I'm a long time reptile keeper and tortoise lover, but new to this forum and forums in general. Looking for some advice regarding our 6 year old male Sulcata, Darwin.

Because of work, we now live in Eastern Nebraska. When we got him as a hatchling, it was always my intention for him to eventually live outdoors year round. Now because of the climate, that's not an option. Currently he's outdoors in a well secured yard for as long as the weather allows, with a heated house for cooler nights. For the colder months, we've used a large pen in the basement.

My question is, is it feasible to keep him this way long term? We're more than a little attached to him, but I hate to see how miserable he seems when he's confined indoors. And of course, the larger he gets (about 14" currently), the more I'm concerned about his long term well being.

I've considered building him a dedicated heated shed, but how big would it need to be for that to be a viable long term solution? Ultimately, if finding him a new home in a better climate is the best solution, I'm willing to explore that. I just want to be realistic about it, and do what's best for him.

I'd love to hear from anyone who's got experience in colder climates, or just general thoughts. Thanks in advance.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi nateandsherry:

Welcome!!

There are quite a few folks who live in colder climates who keep sulcatas. My sister lives in the PNW, where she says people don't tan, they rust. It sometimes snows there, but mostly its just cold and rainy. She keeps her 100lb Bob in a shed and he comes and goes on his own. You can see it here:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-Bob-s-shed--20710#axzz22G2RqyX1

 

[wellington]

Hello and WELCOME. Yes it can be done, as emysemys had stated. Little more costly maybe, with the winter heating, but a well insulated tort house will help keep costs down. If you have the room, you could also consider attaching a green house to the tort house for the winter months. You can grow some grass and /or weeds,Mao he can still have winter grazing. Good luck.

 

[nateandsherry]

Thanks much for the welcome and the advice. I've done some research on tortoise sheds, but it's encouraging to hear advice from people who have been successful with it. I'll definitely spend some more time looking through some of the housing related posts.