Can you keep a sulcata tortoise outside?

Sulcata tortoises that live outdoors are tolerant to various temperature ranges. High temperatures are not going to be a problem provided the tortoise has a shaded area to escape to if desired. The tortoises themselves can handle surprisingly cold temperatures, as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with no problems.

What size enclosure does a sulcata tortoise need?

Sulcata tortoises will do best if kept outdoors in temperatures that do not fall below 50°F. If being kept indoors, an adult Sulcata tortoise will need at least a space of 80 ft².

What kind of enclosure does a sulcata tortoise need?

These tortoises love to explore, so a large outdoor enclosure is a must. The enclosure should have durable walls that are at least 24 inches high. Concrete walls are preferred, as these animals are strong enough to blow through standard wooden fences. The fence should be solid with no visibility through the walls.

How do you keep a sulcata tortoise warm outside?

Heating. A ceramic heater is the best choice for an outdoor sulcata tortoise enclosure. To keep the heat in, a flexible rubber material, such as pond liner, can be cut to make door-flaps. This allows the tortoise to crawl in while not allowing the heat to escape.

Can a sulcata tortoise be out in the rain?

Leopard tortoises, sulcata tortoises, and red-foot tortoises live in predominantly warm and humid climates. So, they can handle being in the rain better than desert tortoises.

How big is a 1 year old Sulcata tortoise?

seven inches
A baby Sulcata is born at around two inches in size. Their growth rate will vary greatly based on their diet, enclosure, and environment. Healthy tortoises will reach seven inches at one year old and gain five to ten pounds each year. They are very slow growers and won’t reach their adult size until 15 to 20 years old.

How do you set up a Sulcata tortoise enclosure?

A desert-type set-up outdoors with a large grass area in the center and dirt around the perimeter is the recommended setting. The tortoise will “patrol” the border, so leave it unplanted. The tortoises are constant grazers and will eat any plants in the enclosure.

How big should a 3 year old Sulcata tortoise be?

This gorgeous 3 year old sulcata tortoise is currently looking for a new home! Sulcatas are the world’s 3rd largest tortoise species, many reaching over 100 lbs as adults (and up to 200 lbs if male). This young… More.

How big should a 1 year old Sulcata tortoise be?

What can I put in my outdoor tortoise enclosure?

Best substrate and plants for a tortoise enclosure For the substrate it is suggested that grasses such as Bermuda or Fescue be used because most tortoises seem to like this kind of grass for grazing and it is relatively easy to grow.

Can tortoises live outside all year round?

Yes, of course a tortoise can live outside – well, to be specific, wild tortoises live outside and are able to survive in a wide range of terrains and climates. That doesn’t mean that a tortoise can live outside everywhere but, in the majority of cases a tortoise is able to live outside for at least some of the year.