Temperature is very important for proper care and health for baby and adult sulcata tortoises. If the enclosure is too cold, then your tortoise cannot properly digest food or absorb vitamins/minerals. A standard thermometer will read regular temperatures where that thermometer sits, whereas a digital temperature gun will provide quick and accurate temperature directly where you point.
With a digital thermometer gun, you can get the temperature of your sulcata tortoise’s shell, the ground where he’s sitting or the water he’s soaking in.
LaserGrip Infrared Temperature Gun
The LaserGrip temperature gun has better accuracy and a quicker response than other thermometers on the market. It can accurately measure at greater distances, but the ideal distance is about 17 inches.
The thermometer measures from -58℉ to 716℉/ -50℃ to 380℃. You can set Fahrenheit or Celsius, depending on what’s easiest for you to read and understand.
This versatile 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.
Temperature for Sulcata Tortoise
When raising a baby sulcata tortoise inside, it’s important to have the enclosure temperature just right. You want a basking spot around 100-degrees Fahrenheit and an overall temperature 80-90-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re checking the temperature outside, you want to avoid putting smaller tortoises outside when it’s 60-degrees or cooler. Larger 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 80-85-degrees or warmer.
When soaking your tortoise, try to keep the water around 85-degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital temperature gun to test the water periodically to make sure it’s not getting too cold.
