Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a young Sulcata tortoise, only about four months old or so. He/she lives in an indoor tortoise enclosure, but also has an outdoor area that I've planted with lots of edible things. The outdoor area is about 6' X 4', fully bricked in, with a wooden house equipped with a heat pad (though not currently plugged in because it sleeps indoors.) It seems much more content to be outside, though, and I was wondering when it would be safe to make the permanent move outside. I live on the coast in Southern California, and the temps are very mild, rarely about 80 and rarely below 50, even in the dead of winter. Right temps the highs are about 76 and lows about 67. Other than predators, is there anything I need to worry about? Thanks!

Be aware that their are raccoons and possums and coyotes all over so cal. Also, you have to worry about HUMAN predators as well. People will steal tortoises.

Not far from my home is an agricultural school and they have a large pen they keep their sulcata in. I would say he weighs at least 75 lbs. Some kids apparently thought it would be fun to spraypaint him and his doghouse. The tortoise survived, but the vet told them to not remove the paint and hope that it will wear off eventually. The vandals were caught and prosecuted.

Make sure he has a dry place to hide if it rains.