I live in Southern California.(if that fact heps). I keep him in my backyard in this staneless steel rabbit excercise pen. It's about 4 feet in length and 3 feet in width. I have a hide box with some straw and grass in it. Is this a good habitat. I also put a cover on top of the pen to keep out hungry owls. Can I continue to house him outside.
2007-07-02 17:10:28 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
I put the cover on at night.
2007-07-02 17:11:31 · update #1
Enclosure: It is best to keep your Russian tortoise outside where temperatures are not too extreme. If you live in an area where temperatures fall below 40° F your tortoises should be moved indoors. If you bring the tortoise indoors then a minimum of a 30-gallon enclosure is required.
2007-07-02 17:18:39 · answer #1 · answered by AnimalManiac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's great that you're keeping him outside! Tort's thrive being outdoors.
If you decide to make a larger enclosure (yours is a bit on the small side) remember to dig down at least 6 inches and bury wire so that your little guy can't escape.
You can use organic top soil or peat moss mixed with play sand for the bedding.
If you keep your tort on grass it could end up with shell rot.
Make sure that the area recieves morning sun so that he can warm up. Also, provide enough shade so that he can cool off. Provide a shallow dish of water for soaking and drinking. If it gets really hot out you can spray down the enclosure with a hose.
Have fun with your tort!
2007-07-03 04:53:19 · answer #2 · answered by Eva 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is fine to keep them outside, weather permitting. I do recommend a bigger enclosure though. Also, put a few inches of soil/sand mix in the bottom and plant some different plants that they like to eat. They enjoy digging and will love the soil mix and the grazing is great for them as well.
2007-07-03 03:01:09 · answer #3 · answered by hummi22689 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi
I have russians and they live outside in the summer I live in england in bad weather they live inside my greenhouse with accsess to outside,they do like to climb on rocks and also they dig ,I would,nt use straw,I think I heard that spors, from staw can be damaging,I use 50/50 topsoil/and playsand
for substrate yes keep outside best for him
2007-07-06 04:32:17 · answer #4 · answered by M H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tank is a bit small for an adult- aim for about 8'x4'.
Also- if the tortoise can see out, it causes the tortoise stress so we prefer solid walls to things like open mesh fences.
Otherwise, outdoors is great!
http://www.tortoisetrust.org
2007-07-02 17:24:03 · answer #5 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When i roughly read your question, i thought you said.. Keeping a Russian terrorist outside :)
2016-04-01 04:43:51 · answer #6 · answered by Jennie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I keep red-foot tortoises outside (i live in socal also) and i live them their all the time since its summer i also water the garden (they are tropical, your Russians aren't) and they like to soak in the mud.
Right now its hot enough to keep your turtle outside all the time. 90s temps = :((
2007-07-03 03:16:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that is the best thing for him to have him outside! that is great! most people think you just put them in a cage and your good to go, and they are soooo wrong!! outside is best thing for him. personally i would bring him in at night and put him a tank for overnight, just couse nightime too much can happen while the world sleeps. at least you know he is safe inside.. but thats apersonal choice he would be just as happy outside too.
2007-07-03 04:05:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ya, sure... IF YOU WANT HIM TO BE STOLEN!!
2007-07-03 02:34:28 · answer #9 · answered by ♥kenz♥ 2 · 0⤊ 8⤋