Tortoises need heat—but also cooling options—and how you can help:

🐢 Why Tortoises Love Heat:

Body temperature regulation: They need warmth to raise their internal temperature.

Digestion: Warmth helps them digest food efficiently.

Mobility: They’re sluggish when too cold and need warmth to stay active.

Immune function: A warmer tortoise is better able to fight infections.

☀ But Why They Also Need to Cool Down:

No internal cooling system: Tortoises can't sweat or pant like mammals or dogs.

Risk of heatstroke: Excessive heat can lead to lethargy, dehydration, or collapse.

Natural behaviour: In the wild, they self-regulate by moving between sun and shade.

🧊 How You Can Help Your Tortoise Cool Down:

1. Provide Shade Options

Place plant pots, rocks, or tortoise hides in their enclosure for shady retreats.

Use a UV-permeable shelter if they’re outside—this lets in vital UVB but keeps them cool.

2. Offer Shallow Water Baths

Let them soak in a shallow tray of lukewarm (not cold) water.

Helps with hydration and temperature regulation.

3. Mist the Enclosure

Light misting (especially on hot days) helps increase humidity and cool things down gently.

4. Digging Spots

Allow access to top soil or coco coir where they can dig and burrow—natural behaviour for cooling.

5. Avoid Hot Enclosures

Never place their enclosure in direct sunlight with no ventilation (e.g., inside a glass tank or vivarium).

Always monitor the temperature with a reliable thermometer or temperature gun.

6. Frozen Water Bottles or Tiles

Place a frozen water bottle wrapped in a cloth inside the enclosure.

Or add a ceramic tile that’s been in the fridge—they’ll lie on it if they’re too warm.

Signs a Tortoise is Overheated:

• Lethargy or unresponsiveness

• Gaping mouth or holding legs out unusually

• Trying to escape the enclosure or hide frantically

• Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry skin)

Top tip: If a tortoise ever seems overheated, don’t plunge it into cold water! Sudden temperature change can shock their system. Cool them gradually in the shade with tepid water.