UVB for Burmese Black/Brown

[TorDiek]

New to the Forum.
I am designing an outdoor enclosure for a Burmese Mountain. (25x50) I am open to suggestions for enclosure size too.
Half of the enclosure will be enclosed with windows that can be shut for colder/winter weather, heated for cold/winter. It will also have a Shed/Hide in it.
The other half will be screened all the way around, water feature, climbing feature(s,) Shade Cloth to mimic a forest canopy. basically just an extension for Summer exploring.

Lots of plants obviously in both sides, rocks, etc.

My questions are…

If I added an Open area in direct sun (fenced in) would they utilize it?

1.) Do they “Hibernate?”
I have seen a lot of back and forth, if they do or not. If they do…
Do they require a certain temp to hibernate?

2.) UVB % and Bulb for when it is closed up for the Winter?

3.) Should I heat the shed with a livestock mat or a space heater in cold/winter weather?
If both are useful, I’ll do both

4.) Do they need a basking spot?
I’ve gathered they don’t necessarily do because of where they live in nature. Feel free to correct if that is wrong.

I do not have the animal, yet. I’d rather have everything necessary done before I “jump.” I have wanted a Large Tortoise for a few years now. I was leaning towards an Aldabra and even though it would be a privilege to own one, I would just feel better with an animal that is more cold tolerant. The winter temps are just too unpredictable where I am (Central Illinois) for an Aldabra. This winter has proved it. Summer weather is perfect. I just need to make sure Winter is always prepared for.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe @Tom or @Yvonne G can weigh in?

 

[Yvonne G]

My full grown adults only sat in direct sun if it was a small patch with patchy shade around it.

My shed had a pig blanket on the floor and either a 250 watt CHE or a 250 watt red brooder bulb hanging from the ceiling in the center of the shed and about 3' off the floor. These warmed up the ambient temp. and even in coldest weather the shed was in the 80s (appx. 16'x16'). Red light has never bothered any species tortoise in my care.

Mine didn't hibernate. And I didn't provide a UVB light as they were outside, plus I fed the occasional animal protein.

 

[TorDiek]

My full grown adults only sat in direct sun if it was a small patch with patchy shade around it.

My shed had a pig blanket on the floor and either a 250 watt CHE OR A

Thank you, so much! I’ll just stick with the screened in area with the shade cloth and various plants to make it patchy.

 

[Tom]

New to the Forum.
I am designing an outdoor enclosure for a Burmese Mountain. (25x50) I am open to suggestions for enclosure size too.
Half of the enclosure will be enclosed with windows that can be shut for colder/winter weather, heated for cold/winter. It will also have a Shed/Hide in it.
The other half will be screened all the way around, water feature, climbing feature(s,) Shade Cloth to mimic a forest canopy. basically just an extension for Summer exploring.

Lots of plants obviously in both sides, rocks, etc.

My questions are…

If I added an Open area in direct sun (fenced in) would they utilize it?

1.) Do they “Hibernate?”
I have seen a lot of back and forth, if they do or not. If they do…
Do they require a certain temp to hibernate?

2.) UVB % and Bulb for when it is closed up for the Winter?

3.) Should I heat the shed with a livestock mat or a space heater in cold/winter weather?
If both are useful, I’ll do both

4.) Do they need a basking spot?
I’ve gathered they don’t necessarily do because of where they live in nature. Feel free to correct if that is wrong.

I do not have the animal, yet. I’d rather have everything necessary done before I “jump.” I have wanted a Large Tortoise for a few years now. I was leaning towards an Aldabra and even though it would be a privilege to own one, I would just feel better with an animal that is more cold tolerant. The winter temps are just too unpredictable where I am (Central Illinois) for an Aldabra. This winter has proved it. Summer weather is perfect. I just need to make sure Winter is always prepared for.

Wow. That sounds awesome. I'll weigh in with what I know, and point out what I don't know.

Yes, they will utilize open areas, both for basking and for walking around.

1. They do not brumate, but they do adjust their appetite and activity levels seasonally depending on the weather.

2. I don't think UV is necessary indoors if they are getting sunshine and a good diet most of the year. On the other hand, it won't hurt to use it either.

3. Both. For sure.

4. No they do not, and basking lamps are not safe or effective for any tortoise larger than about 10-12 inches. Its not effective at warming the core of larger tortoises, and it usually results in carapace burns because they sit under it all day long in a futile attempt to warm their core.

I hope we get to see pics of your set up and how it all comes together. Tortoise pics too, of course.

 

[TorDiek]

Wow. That sounds awesome. I'll weigh in with what I know, and point out what I don't know.

Yes, they will utilize open areas, both for basking and for walking around.

1. They do not brumate, but they do adjust their appetite and activity levels seasonally depending on the weather.

2. I don't think UV is necessary indoors if they are getting sunshine and a good diet most of the year. On the other hand, it won't hurt to use it either.

3. Both. For sure.

4. No they do not, and basking lamps are not safe or effective for any tortoise larger than about 10-12 inches. Its not effective at warming the core of larger tortoises, and it usually results in carapace burns because they sit under it all day long in a futile attempt to warm their core.

I hope we get to see pics of your set up and how it all comes together. Tortoise pics too, of course.

Thank you, so much! This was very helpful. Hoping to break ground soon. The original plan was adding a Rec. Pond and have a couple of Fly River’s that can swim with us during the summer. But, Tortoise’s have always scratched an itch of curiosity and fascination. We decided with a mix of different hobbies a Large Tortoise would be the best to enjoy year round for a long time. Now that I’m figuring out the forum, I have a list of breeders.

Thanks Again,
Tori