safe outside?

stephenhall1987

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I was curious about the same thing. (size when tortoise is safe to live outdoors) I live near downtown Edmond OK, and have a sulcata about 2 years old. I know that I have raccoons, possums, skunks, stray cats, and hawks. Possibly other hazardous creatures.

Also, Is it safe to leave it outside 24/7 during the summer? What is acceptable high and low temperatures?
 
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Jodie

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To leave outside over night you will need a hide you can close up to keep even an adult safe. Search night box by Tom for great how to info.
 

ZEROPILOT

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In a secured enclosure it can be done.
I would not leave it unattended outdoors for any length of time without a secure enclosure.
I would imagine a happy range of temps would be from a cool 65 to a hot 95, but always make sure that there is a cool hide area such as a dog house to retreat into from the sun.
 

Tom

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I let them live outside full time once they reach about 8-10", but they have a safe, temperature controlled shelter.

Acceptable temps? The high doesn't matter because you will provide them with proper shade, cover, plants, trees and an underground shelter if need be. Lows don't matter because your tortoise can retreat to its heated box anytime it needs to, and should be sleeping in there every night.

Here are some examples:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/another-night-box-thread.88966/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/my-best-night-box-design-yet.66867/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/daisys-new-enclosure.28662/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/
 

Tom

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I keep my night boxes heated to about 75 in summer, and 85 in winter when they can't come out and warm up during the day as much.
 

krh11b23

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I was curious about the same thing. (size when tortoise is safe to live outdoors) I live near downtown Edmond OK, and have a sulcata about 2 years old. I know that I have raccoons, possums, skunks, stray cats, and hawks. Possibly other hazardous creatures.

Also, Is it safe to leave it outside 24/7 during the summer? What is acceptable high and low temperatures?
Hi I also love in Oklahoma, my tort stays outside all day then I bring him in at night. He is 4 years old and a bit small still only 6 pounds. 2 reasons why I bring him inside every night. 1 I don't have a way of locking him in a shelter. 2 I have lots of raccoons living literally right in front of my house. For me I'd rather not take the risk
 

stephenhall1987

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Thanks for the responses! I was worried about temperature because it's not unusual for it to get 110 or more here in July and August.
 
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