Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone used a pig blanket or farrowing pad to keep their tortoises warm? Im thinking of buying one. Please reply.

Chelonians need a more radiant source of heat to warm their entire bodies. Think sauna instead of hotplate

If pig blankets are readily available for you, I"m sure that the overhead heaters used in chicken barns would be easy to get as well.

Ian

Hey, Thanks alot! I was going to get the pig blanket from HOGSLAT.COM, they are pretty cheep there. Do you know where I could find those overhead chicken heaters?

If your tortoise is willing to use it the pig blanket is more efficient unless you are providing overhead heating in a well insulated enclosure with forced circulation.

>>Hey, Thanks alot! I was going to get the pig blanket from HOGSLAT.COM, they are pretty cheep there. Do you know where I could find those overhead chicken heaters?
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

That's a good thought EJ, I guess I was assuming this was for a winter enclosure. For whatever you decide to use, make sure the total enclosure/habitat for your tortoise is suitable. Many commonly kept species come from places where winter just isn't in the dictionary

Ian

ps, unfortunately, I do not know of a source for chicken heaters. Is there a UFA in the states? That would be the first place I'd go if I needed one.

We bought a "pig blanket" from http://kanemfg.com in 2002. It's worked great for our sulcata. It's a nice sturdy one that's holding up just great.
Our girl is a big one who lives outside & this is in her enclosure.
It's set up so that there is overhead heating in one corner of the enclosure placed above the heat mat. The heat mat fills up one whole side of her home so in the other corner of that side she can sit on the heat mat without overhead heating. Then she has a cool side with no heating at all. She uses all 3 options during winter depending on the outdoor temps.
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PHRatz

There is no way you can argue with freedom of choice. That has also always led to my greatest successes.

Nice.

>>We bought a "pig blanket" from http://kanemfg.com in 2002. It's worked great for our sulcata. It's a nice sturdy one that's holding up just great.
>>Our girl is a big one who lives outside & this is in her enclosure.
>>It's set up so that there is overhead heating in one corner of the enclosure placed above the heat mat. The heat mat fills up one whole side of her home so in the other corner of that side she can sit on the heat mat without overhead heating. Then she has a cool side with no heating at all. She uses all 3 options during winter depending on the outdoor temps.
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>>PHRatz
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

This site got all the chicken supplies. I got the crushed oyster shell from them.
Here is the chicken heater link.
http://www.eggcartons.com/item1053.htm

Since my torts are inside, I decided to go with the overhead heat lamps, I got two 300w reflectors and a 250w day bulb and a 250w IR bulb for around $40.00. I was very impressed I will post a picture of the set up once I build a frame for it.

You can hang the pig blankets(there hard plastic)upsidedown and they work fantastic.I use them on babies and adult Mt.Tortoises.Also in the southeast they will attract fire ants pronto if put on the ground outside.Vic Morgan