Daisy the Sun-Worshipping Tortoise: Why Basking is Essential

Our Daisy is quite the little hottie! 🔥🐢 While the outside temperature is a chilly 10°C, she’s doing what tortoises do best—finding the sunniest spot in the garden and soaking up the warmth like a pro.

Tortoises are incredibly smart when it comes to regulating their body temperature. They instinctively seek the hottest patch, basking for hours to absorb the sun’s energy. But why do they do this?

Why Do Tortoises Need to Warm Up?

Unlike us warm-blooded humans, tortoises are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they rely on external heat sources to stay warm. And here’s a fascinating fact: they don’t just need to warm up for comfort—they need it to digest their food!

A tortoise’s stomach sits just above its plastron (the bottom part of its shell), so they need to trap enough heat to warm up their belly before properly breaking down food. Without this heat, their digestion slows, and they can’t absorb nutrients effectively.

That’s why you’ll often see tortoises lying flat, spreading out as much as possible—they’re maximising their sunbathing session! ☀️

The Perfect Tortoise Diet at the Right Temperature

Once they’re lovely and toasty, it’s mealtime! Daisy, like all our guests at The Tortoise Hotel, loves her fresh weeds and flowers, which provide the perfect natural diet. But if she isn’t warm enough, she won’t even be interested in food—another reason why proper basking time is essential for a happy, healthy tortoise.

How The Tortoise Hotel Keeps Your Shelled Friend Cozy

At The Tortoise Hotel, we understand exactly what your tortoise needs to thrive. Our specially designed climate-controlled outdoor enclosures allow tortoises to enjoy natural sunlight, dry basking areas, and shelter when needed. No matter how unpredictable the UK weather is, our guests always have access to the best conditions for their health and happiness.

So, if you want your tortoise to have a five-star boarding experience, with all the sunshine, warmth, and nutrition they need, book them in for a stay at The Tortoise Hotel—where they’ll be treated like royalty! 👑🐢

📅 Bookings are now open—reserve your tortoise’s spot today! 07782 345 935