Quality of life for a tortoise in rainy costal Oregon?

[Jll]

After doing some research, it seems Southern Oregon isn’t the best place for a Sulcata, what do you think?

Our area has 8 months of the year with average low temps in the 40’s.

there is a rescue needing a home and I’m so uncertain about this. Thank you for any advice.

 

[wellington]

In my opinion, if you got the means in space and money, any tortoise can just about live any place.

 

[Jll]

In my opinion, if you got the means in space and money, any tortoise can just about live any place.

Thank you, we have the space outdoors but I feel like it would be under a heat lamp most of its life. 😓

 

[SinLA]

@Maggie3fan lives in Oregon and has experience with Sulcattas. Search her threads, she talks about it regularly...

That said, your life will be much much easier if you pick a different species...

 

[Tom]

After doing some research, it seems Southern Oregon isn’t the best place for a Sulcata, what do you think?

Our area has 8 months of the year with average low temps in the 40’s.

there is a rescue needing a home and I’m so uncertain about this. Thank you for any advice.
View attachment 359702

You are correct. Wrong place for a giant tropical reptile that needs a giant warm space to room around in daily. I wish more people would realize this ahead of time like you have.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

I had a pile of sulcatas out of Salem Oregon for years. I used oversized, homemade dog type houses with oil filled radiator heaters. But I had the room and the drive to keep them healthy.

 

[wellington]

Thank you, we have the space outdoors but I feel like it would be under a heat lamp most of its life. 😓

Obviously, according to those that do it or have done it, that wouldn't be the case. A large heated shed for the really bad days, opened to the outside for the tortoise to have a choice wouldn't hurt either.

 

[SinLA]

Is there a reason you are all or nothing on sulcata? Have you looked at other species?