Here in Nebraska, it hasn't steadily rained in well over 2-3 weeks (I can't even remember the last time it rained, to be honest) and the temperatures are up in the mid 90s to low 100s every day. By 10am every day it's already in the low 90s.
That being said, it's kind of hard for me to leave my baby tortoise outside for hours when I can't even stand being out there for five minutes. Where his baby pool is at, he always has at least half shade and half sunlight, but even in the shade, when I stick my hand in the substrate (organic gardening soil) it feels like it's baking. I usually go out every hour to check on him, dig him up from his hiding spot just to make sure he's not overheated, and I'll mist down the enclosure really well (I also have to refill the water dish since it evaporates so fast).
I'd hate to make Carl stay inside all day, he really loves being outdoors. He eats three times more, does his daily walk through of the enclosure to find all the nice little plants I've fake planted in there (for the sole purpose of him completely demolishing them in five minutes) and just adores digging his own sleeping spot in the sun. It's even gotten the point where he won't eat if I leave him in his indoor enclosure. But I'd hate to cause any permanent damage to his health and well being from leaving him outside in this dry heat, too.
What a dilemma!
That being said, it's kind of hard for me to leave my baby tortoise outside for hours when I can't even stand being out there for five minutes. Where his baby pool is at, he always has at least half shade and half sunlight, but even in the shade, when I stick my hand in the substrate (organic gardening soil) it feels like it's baking. I usually go out every hour to check on him, dig him up from his hiding spot just to make sure he's not overheated, and I'll mist down the enclosure really well (I also have to refill the water dish since it evaporates so fast).
I'd hate to make Carl stay inside all day, he really loves being outdoors. He eats three times more, does his daily walk through of the enclosure to find all the nice little plants I've fake planted in there (for the sole purpose of him completely demolishing them in five minutes) and just adores digging his own sleeping spot in the sun. It's even gotten the point where he won't eat if I leave him in his indoor enclosure. But I'd hate to cause any permanent damage to his health and well being from leaving him outside in this dry heat, too.
What a dilemma!