MunchIsMyTortoise
New Member
You don't need heat lamps outside. Keep him inside when outdoor temps are too cool or too hot. If someday you want to build a big enclosure hand make a heated night box, you won't need heat lamps anyway. For now, you can just move him in and out as needed.
Birds are not a problem for any tortoise over 4-5 inches here. If you are worried, you can make a cover like in those threads I linked for you. I live out in the country up near Magic Mountain and we have vultures, ravens, crows, and several hawk species. No problems.
Do you suggest having him sleep inside at night and stay outside during the day, so that I don't have to put lights outside? If he were to permanently be outside, even at night, shouldn't he have a lamp??