Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have kept my Ornate Box Turtle, Nora, inside all winter. Now the weather is warm here in New York. It is going to be in the 70's during the day and high 50's to 60 at night. I want to put her outside in her new pen, but she isn't used to the cold being in all winter. Is it warm enought to put her outside now or should I wait until it gets warmer? Thanks for any advice.
Terry

If the temps will really be in the 50's and 60's at night and get to the 70's in the day-yes, it would be OK to let your turtle stay out- IF she has a safe pen. If you are getting a lot of rain-you can cover an area with a sheet of corrigated plastic which will keep the ground somewhat dry. Cold and wet can reduce a turtle's immunity to illness.
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

I've been letting my Florida and Gulf Coasts out during the day and bringing them in at night. My philosophy is "better to be safe than sorry," in regards to the nights possibly being too cold.

I had them out Saturday and Sunday and they really seemed to enjoy it, after being indoors all winter.

Tim

Third Eye

Yesterday we got the pen mowed, got the pen within a pen made for the baby turtle then I sent everyone out & they've been out since around noon yesterday.
It was 70 degrees at 11PM didn't get below 66 so I figured it was safe.
Tonight though, there are storms in the forecast so I didn't take their indoor enclosures down just yet.
I probably will be bringing them in tonight.. at least for sure the baby.

They sure are a lot happier out there.

We still have the wooden posts standing where our original pen stood before we got a new fence in 2005... or 2004, geeze my memory...
I'm thinking about getting some of that plastic lattice that we have around our cactus pen, so I can tack it onto the posts & let Chip have a daytime pen to hang out in.
He needs to be outside too but because he's not fully healed I don't want him out full time just yet.
So much to do....
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PHRatz