New enclosure/ habitat

Question
Hi. We purchased Zia, a russian in early June. Just this evening, we moved Zia to a 110 gallon container that we put on caster wheels. She is in our screened porch. It is our plan to "roll" her out to the screened area in the sun during the day and then back to the covered porch area in the evening. We have her heat lamp and UV lamp for the evening and rainy days... We live in northern Florida, I didnt want to have her outside (ticks, mites, predators...) Do you think it will be enough? We want her to be safe and happy. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jess,

I apologize for being slow to get back to you--my husband had unexpected surgery and I'm trying to catch up.  

If the enclosure Zia is in is glass, I think it could be quite dangerous for her to be in sunlight.  If it's not glass, it should be OK, but check temperatures and make sure there is always a shady area for her to retreat to.  Screening does reduce UVB rays considerably, so it would probably be a good idea to provide her with the UVB bulb during the day.  She won't need heat or UVB at night.  If she gets any direct sun (not filtered) in the enclosure, for at least a few hours a day, then you don't need the UVB bulb.  

Ticks aren't much of a risk for tortoises, nor are mites.  Fire ants can be, though, and predators, of course.  If you feel she would be safer in the screened area, then I think that should be fine as long as there is adequate UVB.

I hope I answered your question; please post back if I can be of further help!