Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking about getting a sulcatas. Does anyone have one or know of anyone with one in a colder climate? All I have found on
the web are in Cal. Texas, Ariz., or Fla. Worried abut wintering one over.
Thanks
Ken

We live in Indiana and have a sulcata, Tofu. It is tough trying to properly maintain him this far north. I question our sanity on a regular basis. At first, living indoors, with some supervised outdoor time will be okay, but in a fairly short time you'll need to provide a heated shed for winter months. It gets expensive pretty quickly. For example, Tofu really, really needs a large shed right now, and we had planned to do so, but because of some family problems, we don't have the cash right now. Our temporary solution is to run heat to the doghouse he uses when the weather is nice so he can stay outside longer into the fall. If we don't get a shed built before winter, we'll have to bring him inside again, which is a pain at his size.

You can see pictures of Tofu at our pet website.
Link

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I live in East Tennessee where it is more temperate than other parts of the states. This will be our first Winter and to be honest I'm not all that concerned for now. Ott has a 2x6' cage which can be rolled outside when the weather allows. And to be honest, the humidity and rain that we've been getting is a greater concern than cold weather. Using a well controlled diet and supplements with UVB lighting has thus far resulted in a healthy animal. As he/she gets larger we will go to a kennel like set up with an attached tort shed. However, given his/her size I don't see this as being relevant for at least 3-4 years. It's all in the planning and research. I've read comments from people in northern MN and NY that keep them very well but have to plan and invest more that the folks in TX and AZ. Good luck.

Eric

Thanks for the reply(s)
I like the idea of the pen and doghouse/shed. It will work while it is smaller till it can go thru. Then I plan to build a solid wall area 2-3 ft high. The temp here in winter swings. One week it is in the teen's the next in the 50's and 60's. I will keep it indoors till it is about 3 years old. The summer is mild, mid 80's except the last week of July and all of Aug., when it runs in the high 90's. It rains in the fall and spring for days and days. That is a concern also. I am still thinking anyway. I will
have to order one off the net. There are none in this area to be
found/bought.
Thanks
ken