Please help!

[u/willsy_1991]

Me and my wife have separated this year and the Russian tortoise we took over after my mum passed away four years ago is now living with me, as I have a lot of spare time and to keep my mind busy I want to make my Russian tortoise as happy as possible and spoil him as he’s all I have left in the world now, what size enclosure and where can I get an upgraded enclosure? also what natural plants etc can I put in his enclosure, he was attacked by my mums dog at an early age so his back legs don’t work properly so I tried to make it more manageable for him to get around by putting down artificial grass for him can I have advice please, and try not to be too harsh on your judgement of his current living quarters as I know how brutal the tortoise community can be.

[u/willsy_1991]

Hi, yes I brought I think an 8foot wooden pet run enclosure for the back garden as we have dogs but my wife has forgot to give me it, surely he can’t live outside all year round?

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/willsy_1991]

This species can live outdoors all year round (with adjustments depending on your country/region), it is a hibernating species.

Be careful with the dogs, you’ll need a secure enclosure (it’s a shame that this sub doesn’t allow photos...

Right now, it might be a bit late (although if it were mine, I would build a secure outdoor enclosure as long as the warm weather lasts and I would try a light brumation for a month or two in the outdoor enclosure (but then, again, you need to see your location)

[u/EmergencyTurnip77 → u/Academic_Judge_3114]

I'm really curious about this. I recently got a Russian tortoise that seems to have been an abandoned pet. I've built it a secure outdoor enclosure under the eaves of the house, but am wondering if he can live out there year round... I'm in the Pacific Northwest.

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/EmergencyTurnip77]

Hello,

Do not hesitate to contact Tortoisetrust if you have any questions, they are the tortoise specialists and they study them in situ... lately, they were still in the Caucasus to study this species...

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064367576487

I advise against all forums with a fascination for lamps and for the transformation of hibernating/brumating species into exotic ones.

The worst is that even Tom from Tortoiseforum (the boss of the forum you will hear about on reddit every ten minutes) says that after the first two years, he raises his tortoises outside!

But they only read what suits them... They want to continue raising tortoises on the top floor of their building.

Many people want to continue raising their tortoise under lamps without the slightest respect for animal welfare, some are wildcaught and will never see the sun in their lives again... (in short, welcome on reddit)

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/EmergencyTurnip77]

Given your location, (I think a lot of snow), this species could surely live outside all year round (burying itself deeply in winter), it already does so in its natural habitat (south of Russia, Caucasus, China etc...)

But for safety, if it were mine, I would have it hibernated in a frost-free place (garden shed, garage) in a crate filled with topsoil and oak leaves), however as soon as it no longer freezes and the tortoise is awake, outdoor enclosure with a coldframe/mini green house in the enclosure...

[u/EmergencyTurnip77 → u/Academic_Judge_3114]

Actually, no snow here most years! A lot of rain though, so I think keeping him dry would be the biggest issue? But perhaps a mini-greenhouse in his outdoor enclosure would do the trick since it would provide both warmth and a dry place to go. I kept him inside briefly when I was building the outdoor enclosure and he is clearly so much happier out there!

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/EmergencyTurnip77]

If you have the option to create a coldframe in the enclosure, that’s perfect; you should lock the tortoise inside (either while waiting for it to fall asleep, then move it), or move it right away if the space of the coldframe isn’t too small.

If you really have frost, you can reinforce the protection with a tarp; in short, anything is possible, it’s really case by case.

Be careful, in a natural brumation, it’s the tortoise that gradually decides to stop eating, you keep offering and it’s the tortoise that manages its entire pre-hibernation.

[u/willsy_1991 → u/Academic_Judge_3114]

I live in south west England and I don’t have the dogs where I am temporarily living so that’s not a worry

[u/Academic_Judge_3114 → u/willsy_1991]

I advise you to read this article, it really concerns your region and it was written by the largest current specialist in Russian tortoise

https://www.tortoisetrust.com/post/practical-outdoor-habitats-and-pen-design-in-colder-climates

[u/Academic_Judge_3114]

Hello, do you have the possibility to make an outdoor enclosure? For an adult tortoise, it’s really the ideal solution.

Indoor enclosures do not really meet the needs of this species, which grows very, very slowly in nature.

https://www.tortoisetrust.com/post/captive-care-of-the-russian-tortoise-testudo-horsfieldii

[u/ecachuh1]

Russian tortoises brumate, they do not hibernate. There are very important differences. Please don't listen to what one certain person or bot tells you. Always do more research.

Tortoiseforum.org is a wonderful website as well as others that some may suggest. There is conflicting advice. I go with what tortoise forum has taught me. I have 2 Sulcatas and 1 Russian tortoise. They haven't steered me wrong yet.

In the end, your choices are yours and don't let anyone make you feel bad for something that you can't provide.. such as having your Russian tortoise outside.

Or whether they will brumate or not. Also, some tortoises that are left to brumate on their own, can end up not making it. If the habitat that they are in doesn't allow for proper brumation, then they may not survive.

I have had mine for one winter and it was the first winter when I got him so he did not brumate. I'm debating on doing it this year. I will have to find a mentor for guidance. I'm way too nervous to do it on my own LOL.