Temperature is very important for proper care and health for both baby and adult Russian tortoises. If the enclosure is too cold, then your tortoise cannot properly digest food or absorb vitamins/minerals. Plus, Russian tortoises hibernate. If it’s too cold for too long, your tortoise may go into a hibernation state.
A standard reptile thermometer will read the temperature where that thermometer is positioned, whereas a digital temperature gun will provide quick and accurate temperature directly where you point the beam. It is still a good idea to use a digital thermometer in the enclosure, use one with a durable probe to get the surface temperatures.
With a digital thermometer gun, you can get the temperature of your Russian tortoise’s shell, the ground where he’s sitting or the water he’s soaking in. You’ll be able to ensure that the temperature is what you want
LaserGrip Infrared Temperature Gun
The LaserGrip temperature gun has better accuracy and a quicker response than other thermometers on the market. It can accurately measure at further distances, but try to keep the thermometer within about 17 inches.
The thermometer measures from -58℉ to 716℉/ -50℃ to 380℃. You can set Fahrenheit or Celsius.
This versatile digital thermometer is handy to measure the surface temperature of your enclosure, as well as the carapace of your tortoise. Just point and aim. You’ll safely measure the temperature of whatever the laser is pointed at.
Temperature for Russian Tortoise
When raising a baby Russian tortoise inside, it’s important to have the enclosure temperature just right. You want a basking spot around 95-100-degrees Fahrenheit and an overall temperature 80-90-degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re checking the temperature outside, you want to avoid putting smaller tortoises outside when it’s 60-degrees or cooler. Larger tortoises can tolerate cooler weather, but if it’s chilly, periodically check your tortoise’s carapace with a digital temperature gun. Try to keep him at a minimum of 80-85-degrees.
When soaking your tortoise, try to keep the water around 85-degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital temperature gun to test the water periodically to make sure it’s not getting too cold.
