Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm thinking of taking in a sulcata who's owners can't care for him. I have the perfect summer outdoor setup but I'm concerned about providing it sufficient outdoor housing in winter.

I'm in USDA zone 5 so it can get pretty chilly. Does anybody here keep a sulcata outdoors for the winter? What kind of setup do you have?

Thanks.
-----
1.0.0 Double Het Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Yoshi'
0.1.0 Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Miso'
1.0.0 Beagle 'Tigger'
0.1.0 Jack Russell 'Roo'
2.0.0 Guinea Pigs 'Millhouse and Ralph'
1.0.0 Hamster 'Fluff'
1.0.0 Husband

Too cold to keep them out in zone 5. You would have to have a well insulated heated enclosure.

I would just like to know what type of enclosure I should go with. I see people keeping them in everything from dogloos with heatmats to small sheds and I was wondering if anybody here kept them outdoors in a similar climate to mine and in what type of enclosure.
-----
1.0.0 Double Het Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Yoshi'
0.1.0 Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Miso'
1.0.0 Beagle 'Tigger'
0.1.0 Jack Russell 'Roo'
2.0.0 Guinea Pigs 'Millhouse and Ralph'
1.0.0 Hamster 'Fluff'
1.0.0 Husband

Keep in mind that these animals are not accustomed to a "dormant" period. If keeping "outdoors" during the winter this basically entails bringing them indoors whether it's in a custom garage enclosure or shed or whatever. The winter habitat should be adequate as a year round enclosure as a temporary approach won't meet it's needs in the long run. That is not to say that it can't go into the summer pen; just that it should not be compromised in the winter. Walk-out basements are ideal, but if possible I'd suggest carrying it into the basement during the winter. Keeping them confined in a small heated space for 4-8 months of the year is not appropriate.

ps, I"m in Canada and unfamiliar with USD5 so our definition of winter may be quite different. Either way I believe my above response is generic enough to apply to any place's cold season.

Here's what we built. It's 12x16, well-insulated and heated by two baseboard heaters controlled by thermostats.

n/p

eom
-----
1.0.0 Double Het Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Yoshi'
0.1.0 Patternless Albino Leopard Gecko 'Miso'
1.0.0 Beagle 'Tigger'
0.1.0 Jack Russell 'Roo'
2.0.0 Guinea Pigs 'Millhouse and Ralph'
1.0.0 Hamster 'Fluff'
1.0.0 Husband

That looks awesome! I especially like the small tortoise door to the right