General Care Discussion :: Natural sunlight on very hot days

[wcrimi]

I'd like to give my turtles some time in natural sunlight. Unfortunately, it seems I'm always either working or it's 90 degrees and sunny out. If I take them outside on a very sunny hot 90 degree day to allow them to walk around my yard a little, how long can I keep them out there before I have to start worrying about overheating?

[jozzep]

I'd like to give my turtles some time in natural sunlight. Unfortunately, it seems I'm always either working or it's 90 degrees and sunny out. If I take them outside on a very sunny hot 90 degree day to allow them to walk around my yard a little, how long can I keep them out there before I have to start worrying about overheating?

You said it...."walk around a little".I would say no more than an hour.
If you set-up a pretty deep kiddie pool or stock tank with plenty of water and a good amount of shade, you can leave them for the whole day.Keep in mind that predators can get to them at any time though, so that is your call to keep them safe.

[marisa]

When I've taken turtles out on really hot days (this is without putting them in water), I've generally had them out for about 45 minutes. Make sure there is some shade you turtles can go to.

[Ranger The Red Ear Slider]

I live in San Antonio and its always 90+ here sometimes 103. And i take him around 11:00 AM for around 30 minutes- 1 hour the most and he does fine. Also if you put up a kiddy pool or stock tank make sure the water does not get to hot. Also make sure to watch him because he might get snatched up by a hawk or get out of your backyard through any holes.