Tortoises kept outdoors in appropriate climates have significantly better welfare than those kept exclusively indoors under artificial conditions.
Tortoises in appropriate outdoor environments show dramatically better welfare than those housed exclusively indoors. Natural UVB prevents metabolic bone disease, varied temperature gradients allow thermoregulation, and natural substrate supports digging and foraging behavior. Many tortoise welfare problems including pyramiding shell growth and poor health result from inadequate housing conditions. Outdoor keeping with appropriate security is the welfare gold standard for temperate climates during warm months.