When setting up a Russian tortoise indoor enclosure, it’s important to consider everything from the size of the enclosure to the substrate you put in it. A happy and healthy tortoise will have plenty of space to walk around, as well as proper temperatures and lighting.
Tortoise Enclosure Size
Although Russian tortoises are a small pet tortoise, it’s important to ensure that the tortoise has ample room in the enclosure. In an indoor enclosure, the habitat should be at minimum 4 feet by 2 feet.
A general rule of thumb is that the enclosure should be:
- 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
If housing a baby Russian tortoise, a 40-50 gallon aquarium will work for a while, but it will not be a permanent suitable enclosure.
Many people use a large 50 gallon Christmas tree tote to house one adult Russian tortoise. These totes tend to measure about 43″ L x 21. 25″ W x 17. 875″ H on the outside and about 35. 75″ L x 15. 75″ W x 16″ H on the inside. They’re a little smaller than ideal, but in a pinch, you can make them work until you can supply more space. You could also buy two on clearance right after the Christmas holiday season and connect them together with some basic engineering and a good knife.
Tortoise Enclosure Substrate
Once you’ve purchased or built the enclosure, you’ll want to fill it with the best substrate for Russian tortoises. Coco coir, orchard bark, cypress mulch, peat moss and top soil are great options.
Russian tortoises like to dig and burrow, making soil and coconut coir the most popular options for a Russian tortoise enclosure. Plus, they’re fairly easy to clean. When using either soil or coco coir, you’ll want to keep the substrate moistened, as it can dry out quickly and cause the tortoise’s shell to dry. These substrates can also create dust in the enclosure, which can irritate the tortoise’s eyes and overall respiratory system.
Avoid using cedar mulch and pine wood shavings. Both substrates work for some animals, both they emit toxic fumes when paired with the high heat required for a Russian tortoise enclosure.
Tortoise Enclosure Lighting
Russian tortoises require a day/night schedule. You want a light source to be one about 12-14 hours a day. Russian tortoises also need UV, so when housing a tortoise inside, it’s important to have a source of artificial UV, whether that’s a UV tube or a UV bulb.
Tortoise Enclosure Heating
Proper heating is very important for a healthy Russian tortoise. You need a basking area between 95-100°F and an ambient temperature of 70-80°F. You do not want the cool side (opposite side of the basking area) to drop colder than 70°F.
In order to supply proper heating in a Russian tortoise indoor enclosure, use a good heat bulb, like a ceramic heat emitter or a flood light. Both will supply ample heat. However, you will still need to use a good source of UV.
Other Basic Needs for an Indoor Tortoise Enclosure
Once the environment is set, you still need a few things for the enclosure. You’ll want to consider a hide for shelter and sleep. A good den will help reduce stress when your tortoise needs to get away. You’ll also want to ensure an available food plate and water dish. The water dish should be deep enough to soak in and drink from but not too deep the tortoise cannot get out of.
If space is permitted without taking away valuable walking and exercise room, plant greenery that is pretty and edible.
