Are there any tortoise species that can survive South-western Ontario winters?

Question

I have been looking into tortoises a lot lately, and i have read that they do better outdoors. however, i am worried about the tortoise freezing to death during our harsh winters. so, is there any kind of tortoise that can survive a canadian winter?

Answer 1

It's the access to unfiltered natural sunshine that is beneficial and to some extent the ability to graze on natural plants and grass. I keep tortoises and am also in Ontario and unless you had a completely closed, insulated and well heated out-building there is no way that any species would survive. The enclosure would have to be completely impermeable to the winds and drifting snow. I don't think the Florida gentleman suggesting the open dog house has much familiarity with Canadian winters! Even the Mediterranean species that hibernate need to be kept in the 50F range to safely survive hibernation. The tropical species are particularly prone to illness from cool temperatures. You will need to make inside accomodations for the early fall through to the late spring.

Answer 2

Any of them, with the proper setup. There are none that can just hang out in your backyard without housing of some sort. Even in Florida we have "hot house's" for our tortoise's for any time the tortoise feels a little chilled it can come and go as it pleases. You would need to supply a type of dog house that the opening is as low to the ground as you can get it and the tortoise still get inside. And inside you will need enough heating elements to keep the temps above 68 degrees towards the backside of the doghouse, the heat will naturally come out the opening but the rear of the house should maintain a descent temp gradient. Oh and by the way, freezing is freezing So n.w Ontario / s.w. Ontario, whats the difference?? But yes if you want to put out the money to create the proper habitat it is possible, but its not going to be cheap.

Answer 3

I dont really know of tortoises, but the Red-Eared Turtle can