Hi,

Over the years, I have raised my tortoises in Colorado, Connecticut, and now Georgia, so I can understand your situation and needs fairly well. I would suggest that you try a different substrate which should work better for the size of tortoise you have. My preferred and recommended substrate is Eucalyptus Mulch (when available), and if that is not available, I use Cypress Mulch instead.

If you email me privately at wzovickian@gmail.com I will be happy to send you a detailed Care Sheet which addresses keeping tortoises healthy and happy in the colder climates. In the mountains of extreme northwestern CT, my tortoises were able to be outside full time only from the very end of May until the beginning of September, and even then had to be brought in on the occasional nights when the temps dipped into the 40's or even lower. One year, frost was recorded in all 12 months of the year!

Bill Zovickian

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