Russian tortoises are a small tortoise species that is a common pet tortoise. Russian tortoises do not have to go outside, however if you want to keep a Russian tortoise outside, take precautions to keep your pet safe.
Outside Russian Tortoise Enclosure
Ideally, you would not let a pet Russian tortoise free-roam your yard. They are truly too small and easy to lose. Plus, it is easy for a small tortoise to escape the yard. In order to keep your Russian tortoise safe outside, it’s important to set up a safe Russian tortoise outdoor enclosure.
Start with the correct size enclosure. Even though Russian tortoises average 8″ long, they still require a larger enclosure for plenty of exercise and natural activities.
- 10 times as long as the Russian tortoise’s length
- 5 times as wide as the Russian tortoise’s width
- 3 times as high as the Russian tortoise’s height
Create hiding spaces with shelter, vegetation and landscaping. You can use pampas grass and hosta plants as large landscaping that create hiding places and shade. Plus, both pampas grasses and hosta plants are safe for your tortoise if he takes a bite.
Use a water bowl for your tortoise to soak in and drink from.
Most importantly, create a safe space to protect your Russian tortoise from dangers, like predators.
Protect Russian Tortoise From Predators
Being a small tortoise, Russian tortoises are susceptible to predators. Unlike a large Sulcata tortoise, a predator bird can carry off an adult Russian tortoise. So when keeping a Russian tortoise outside, it’s important that you protect the tortoise from predators.
Construct an outside enclosure with secure walls and a secure lid. The enclosure doesn’t have to be fancy. You need a locking lid that cannot be opened by raccoons and walls that cannot be pushed over.
Tortoises have self defenses, but they can not necessarily fight back. Sucking into their shell, a Russian tortoise can be still like a rock, disguising itself. A Russian tortoise can also hide in its burrow, but a determined predator may dig out a tortoise, which is why it is important to ensure a secure outdoor enclosure.
Safe Weather for Russian Tortoises
It’s important that even with a safe Russian tortoise outdoor enclosure, that you take weather into account when putting a pet tortoise outside.
Too Cold for Russian Tortoise to be Outside
If the overnight lows, or even daytime highs are 45°F, you want to bring the Russian tortoise back inside. Or set up an insulated, heated house that will maintain consistent temperatures to keep your tortoise warm until the weather warms back up.
Too Hot for Russian Tortoise to be Outside
Overheating can be fatal. If the temperature is over 100°F, you want to make sure that the tortoise has plenty of shade and water to keep cool. OR consider setting up an inside enclosure until the weather cools off.
