Outside torts

[RogerTheTortoise]

At what age should they start staying outside?

 

[jackrat]

You can start bringing them outside when they are hatchlings. Just be sure they are protected from predators and keep them within their temperature parameters.

 

[Torty Mom]

Mine are out everyday, but I bring them in late afternoon when it starts to cool off.

 

[dmarcus]

Mine went outside 24/7 at 5 months, he lives in a pretty secure enclosure...

 

[RogerTheTortoise]

Oh geez. Mine is 3 or 4 months old. And I live in an apartment so there isn't really a place that I can set up an enclosure for him. I do take him out everyday to explore and get fresh air and real sun light.

Should I start rethinking my living arrangements?!!

 

[TheCobbler]

yes. you'll need a yard eventually. eventually!!

 

[SailingMystic]

Also be aware that most apartments will use fertilizers if you are exploring apartment common areas. Just as a safety precaution. Never know...

 

[dmmj]

do you have a balcony?

 

[RogerTheTortoise]

I'm on the first floor and I share a "porch" with 3 others.

 

[SteveP]

Mine is just a few months old and spends most of the day outside.

 

[laramie]

You can start bringing them outside when they are hatchlings. Just be sure they are protected from predators and keep them within their temperature parameters.

Ditto. When I take Wilbur outside for sun and exercise, I watch him like a hawk!

 

[RogerTheTortoise]

Considering everything, should I give Roger a D3 supplement occasionally?

 

[byerssusan]

I have been letting Phoenix little over 2 months stay out most of the day now..Hoping I fixed her flipping over problem..so far so good..Now the only problem is I miss her..haha..I have her tort table right next to where I sit so i can just glance over and check on her..watch her..Now she is out there and dog gone it I miss her haha.. She seems to be really loving it though.

 

[dmarcus]

If your tortoise is not getting enough UV in your mind then go ahead and supplement with a little D3

 

[Tom]

Should I start rethinking my living arrangements?!!

YES!!!

I usually move mine outside permanently when they are around 10" in length. When they are smaller than that it is pretty easy to still house them indoors at night and on cold days. I feel much better about them being indoors and safe when they are little. This year, for the first time, I moved some out that are only around 7-8". But they have a super-duper underground heated shelter. So far so good, except Tuck doesn't seem to understand that he needs to put HIMSELF underground every night instead of waiting for the giant hand of the food god to put him there...

Do we have any animal psychics here on the forum? Could somebody give him the message for me?

 

[BrinnANDTorts]

YES!!!

I usually move mine outside permanently when they are around 10" in length. When they are smaller than that it is pretty easy to still house them indoors at night and on cold days. I feel much better about them being indoors and safe when they are little. This year, for the first time, I moved some out that are only around 7-8". But they have a super-duper underground heated shelter. So far so good, except Tuck doesn't seem to understand that he needs to put HIMSELF underground every night instead of waiting for the giant hand of the food god to put him there...

Do we have any animal psychics here on the forum? Could somebody give him the message for me?

How long does it take a sulcata to get 10 inches long ?

 

[Maggie Cummings]

YES!!!

I usually move mine outside permanently when they are around 10" in length. When they are smaller than that it is pretty easy to still house them indoors at night and on cold days. I feel much better about them being indoors and safe when they are little. This year, for the first time, I moved some out that are only around 7-8". But they have a super-duper underground heated shelter. So far so good, except Tuck doesn't seem to understand that he needs to put HIMSELF underground every night instead of waiting for the giant hand of the food god to put him there...

Do we have any animal psychics here on the forum? Could somebody give him the message for me?

How long does it take a sulcata to get 10 inches long ?


I have one here who is 4 yrs old and not quite 10 inches long. But he needed to have lived outside for about a year or more. This is a bif tort who could ruin a carpet in 2 pees or less

 

[BrinnANDTorts]

I am going to build a 40inch by 180in (3.3FT X 15FT) tortoise table for Gupta

how long will this be adequate housing for him? I will probably only keep him in it during winter and at nights.
This table will take up pretty much half of my room but I knew when getting my Gupta that he needs lots of space.