Moving from Indoors to Outdoors

[twwillz]

I've had my 3 toed box-turtle, Oscar, for about 21 years. He has a large indoor habitat, however I've always wanted to create an outdoor pen. I live in the Seattle area, so it would be only for the late spring, summer, and early fall. Keeping in mind that Oscar has lived indoors his entire life, does anybody see any issues with him moving outdoors? Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!

 

[bouaboua]

I've had my 3 toed box-turtle, Oscar, for about 21 years. He has a large indoor habitat, however I've always wanted to create an outdoor pen. I live in the Seattle area, so it would be only for the late spring, summer, and early fall. Keeping in mind that Oscar has lived indoors his entire life, does anybody see any issues with him moving outdoors? Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!

I know nothing about the Box turtles but love to see your 21 years old beauty and his indoor enclosure.

May I ask you for few photos? I'm thinking to getting couple EBT too.

Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

I don't put turtles or tortoises outside that aren't used to living outside until the weather is nice and warm, day and night. Then they go out and get acclimated to living outside, and they can stay out the rest of their lives.

If you plan to bring your in because of the weather, then you can put him out on warm days and bring him in at night until the nights are warm too. Then in the fall bring him back in. But he can hibernate if you want to leave him outside.

 

[diamondbp]

If the weather is mild-pleasant he should be just fine.

 

[lynnedit]

21 years! That is amazing.

I think your boxie will love living outside, even part time.
Have you see this link (UK has a lot of similarity to the PNW). A polycarbonate cover over part of it can help keep an area drier.
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/avoidbox.html

 

[kimber_lee_314]

I agree with Yvonne on this. I would wait until it's at least 60 degrees consistently at night and only on days when it's warm out. Go slowly and let him acclimate. Once he acclimates (over the summer) he will be able to live outside all the time. Good luck!

 

[twwillz]

21 years! That is amazing.

I think your boxie will love living outside, even part time.
Have you see this link (UK has a lot of similarity to the PNW). A polycarbonate cover over part of it can help keep an area drier.
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/avoidbox.html

Thank you for the advice and the link, that is very helpfull!

 

[twwillz]

I've had my 3 toed box-turtle, Oscar, for about 21 years. He has a large indoor habitat, however I've always wanted to create an outdoor pen. I live in the Seattle area, so it would be only for the late spring, summer, and early fall. Keeping in mind that Oscar has lived indoors his entire life, does anybody see any issues with him moving outdoors? Any suggestions would be helpful! Thanks!

I know nothing about the Box turtles but love to see your 21 years old beauty and his indoor enclosure.

May I ask you for few photos? I'm thinking to getting couple EBT too.

Thanks.

His indoor enclosure is really nothing to fancy. I got Oscar when i was 5 and he came in a small terrarium. My parents and I went out and got an old jewelry display case, which is a lot larger than the original terrarium. It has a heating pad, UV light, and food/water dish, etc. Its worked well for 21 years, but I'd really like to improve his living situation now that I have the space and move him outdoors. I'm going to create a larger indoor enclosure too. I'll get some pictures of Oscar up soon.