Tortoises do not maintain their own body temperature. They are reliant on external heat sources, like the sun or an indoor heat lamp. If the temperature is too cold for an extended period, some reptiles will hibernate, whereas others will just slow, causing disruptions to the digestive system and other internal bodily functions. So, temperature is very important to maintain for proper care and health for both baby and adult red foot tortoises. If the enclosure is too cold, then your tortoise cannot properly digest food or absorb vitamins and minerals.
A standard reptile thermometer will read the temperature where that thermometer or its probe is positioned, whereas a digital temperature gun will provide quick and accurate temperature directly where you point the beam. It is still a good idea to use a digital thermometer for reptiles in the enclosure, use one with a durable probe to get the surface temperatures.
With a digital thermometer, you can get the temperature of your tortoise’s shell, the ground where he’s sitting or the water he’s soaking in. You’ll be able to ensure that the temperature is what you want.
Best Laser Digital Temperature Guns
The Etekcity digital temperature gun has better accuracy and a quicker response than other thermometers on the market. It can accurately measure at further distances, but try to keep the thermometer within about 17 inches.
The thermometer measures from -58℉ to 716 degrees Fahrenheit. You can set the reading to be Fahrenheit or Celsius.
This versatile digital thermometer is handy to measure the surface temperature of your enclosure, as well as the carapace of your tortoise. Just point and aim. You’ll safely measure the temperature of whatever the laser is pointed at.
* Do not point the laser into anyone’s eyes, including those of your tortoise.
Safe Temperature for Red Foot Tortoise
When raising a baby red footed tortoise inside, it’s important to closely monitor the enclosure temperature. You want a basking spot around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and an overall temperature 80-82 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, the temperature can drop 10-15 degrees, maintaining an average enclosure temperature no lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re checking the temperature outside, you want to avoid putting smaller tortoises outside when it’s below 70 degrees. Adult red foot tortoises can tolerate cooler weather, but if it’s chilly, periodically check your tortoise’s carapace with a digital temperature gun. Try to keep him at a minimum of 70 degrees during the day. If the weather is consistently cool, you may want to consider bringing the tortoise inside until it warms.
When soaking your tortoise, try to keep the water around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital temperature laser to test the water periodically to make sure it’s not getting too cold.
