outside tortoise issues?

Question

I have a Sucata Tortoise and we live in minnesota, so during the summer we let her outside all the time and during winter, we have a cage set up for her inside. But during fall, its not to hot or cold, so what degrees (F) can she be allowed outside?

Answer 1

As a rule of thumb, they should not be exposed to temps below about 65F as adults, or 70F as young.

Humidity is an issue in the summer. Grassy places and the humidity we get in the midwest can be too much for this arid species.

Personally, as much as I would love to have a Sulcata or Leopard, I cannot give them the habitat or environment they would want here in Nebraska, and I do not have anywhere near enough space to house them indoors, even if I could move what can grow to be a 100lb tortoise.

Answer 2

I have seven sulcata's, 20-60#. I Live in FL, but it does get cold! Mine are conditioned to about 65 degrees. They never come inside. I have a large structure outside that I heat with lamps until the temp.gets to a consistant 60, then it is closed in with a heater with a FAN and a thermostat.They have learned to herd themselves in around sundown,then the heat comes on.Size does matter,the smaller,the less they can take.It is hard with the in between temps, but will go to a provided heat source if necc.Mine also dig their burrows which they go in for the between.