UN-LIT BASKING SPOT?

[wellington]

Except for today, the temps outside are high enough to put Tatum, 14mo. Leopard outside, day time only. Because of the warmer temps, the inside enclosure is staying in the low to mid 80's without the MVB. So, my question is. Can I use a CHE for the basking spot or does it have to be a lighted basking spot? I still need a basking spot for his morning wake up, and breakfast, before he gets put outside.
I am not sure if he needs lighted in order for him to know where to go to bask, or if he will just seek out the higher heat. Thank you for all opinions and knowledge

 

[Tom]

I think this is one of those maybes. Most of them figure it out once they stumble across the warm area a few times.

 

[EricIvins]

Reptiles live and die by radiant heat....... These animals know what radiant heat is, and they know how to utilize it ( possibly more so than light energy ).......They don't have to see light to know what it is......

 

[wellington]

Thank you for your answers. I will make sure he gets it just incase he is abnormal. Wouldn't be unusual for my family LOL

 

[ascott]

I would also think that they would gravitate to the heat regardless of bright light (also since going outdoors will get the uv rays needed) especially since they would get the light from windows and your indoor lighting along with time that it is daytime....

 

[JoesMum]

Joe can find his ceramic heater in the dark regardless of where he's decided to sleep for the night. Tortoises just gravitate towards heat sources.

 

[Madkins007]

LOL! Barb- I think it would take either a big habitat, or a dumb tortoise, to not find and exploit a nice warm spot, even without light. That is why you find snakes and such on roadways after dark- taking advantage of the warm concrete in the night.

 

[wellington]

LOL! Barb- I think it would take either a big habitat, or a dumb tortoise, to not find and exploit a nice warm spot, even without light. That is why you find snakes and such on roadways after dark- taking advantage of the warm concrete in the night.

Not a huge habitat, not a dumb tort? But maybe crazy LOL. I guess we'll know soon if his sense of direction is working or not. Heck, will also tell me if he is male or female LOL.