Russian tortoises are a popular small tortoise that can be kept indoors year round. However, keeping a tortoise in an indoor enclosure year round, means that you will need to set up proper housing, including heat. Russian tortoises require a heat lamp to ensure proper temperatures.
Russian Tortoise Temperature
When setting up an indoor habitat for a Russian tortoise, you want to have plenty of space for a hot and cool area. Having multiple heat zones will let the tortoise thermoregulate its body temperature. IE if he gets hot, he can go to the cool side to cool down and vice versa.
The cool side of the enclosure should average in the mid- to low-70’s°F. During the day, the cool side of the enclosure should not dip below 70°F. Keep the nighttime temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s.
The ambient temperature should range between 70-80°F.
The hot side of the enclosure should have a basking area between 95-100°F. You do not want the basking area to rise above 100°F. The hottest side should not exceed more than 20% of the enclosure size.
If a Russian tortoise is kept too cold, the tortoise will not be able to digest food properly and, in turn, will not grow properly. If a tortoise is kept too hot, it can overheat, stop eating and become lethargic. Prolonged cold or heat can cause permanent health conditions or death.
Temperature For Baby Russian Tortoises
A baby Russian tortoise enclosure should have both a hot and cool zone. The basking temperature in the hot zone should not exceed 95°F. Baby tortoises can dry out faster. It is important to
Night Temperature for Russian Tortoise
You do not want to have the temperature maxed out day and night. You want to ensure that the enclosure has a day/night cycle. Establishing a day/night cycle will create natural patterns, reducing the stress on the tortoise.
At night, you want to ensure the light and heat are turned off. The enclosure can fall to a room temperature between 60-75°F.
Provide Heat to a Russian Tortoise
In order to ensure that the Russian tortoise enclosure is being heated properly, it’s important to use a good heat bulb.
You will find many different types of heat bulbs for reptiles. Ceramic heat emitters are perfect when using a separate UV tube or UV bulb.
Flood bulbs are also great options. You’ll want to be careful to choose a wattage that will provide enough heat. Flood bulbs can create enough heat to provide an adequate basking area, but you will still need to provide UV.
Check Russian Tortoise Enclosure Temperatures
In order to ensure that the heat source that you are using is putting off enough heat, check the enclosure regularly. Use a digital temperature gun to check the temperatures.
If you’re setting up the enclosure before you have brought home your new Russian tortoise, use a rock that will be able the same height as your future pet (about 1-2″ tall, depending on whether you are bringing home a baby Russian tortoise or an adult tortoise). Place the rock under the basking bulb. Leave the rock for several hours and test the rock with the digital temperature gun. If the rock should be hotter than the substrate beneath it. You want the rock to be no more than 100°F for an adult or 95°F for a baby Russian tortoise.
