Enclosure

[Jenn16]

Hello I was just wondering what is the appropriate size enclosure for an adult russian tort? Also is it alright to have the same size enclosure for the entirety of the torts life if it is big enough?

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Jenn:

In my opinion, a Russian tortoise belongs outside. His #1 habitat should be outside, with a #2 habitat indoors for when the weather is too cold. (However, they do hibernate, so once the weather starts to get cold, you can let him hibernate and he'll never need a #2 habitat).

If you're going to keep an adult Russian tortoise indoors, you'll just have to get used to the fact he's going to be digging at the corners, climbing the walls and making an all round nuisance of himself. I wouldn't use anything smaller than a 4-shelf book case with the shelves removed. Lay it on its back, line it with a shower curtain liner and fill it up with substrate, hiding places, plants, etc.

 

[TortsNTurtles]

Hi,Here is a nice set of plans for a Russian table. http://russiantortoise.net/tortoise_table.htm You can even just use the entire sheet of plywood to make it 4 by 8 instead of 3 by 8. If you don't have the room search for double deckers. Search the enclosure section there are some wonderful ideas there too.

 

[Jenn16]

Thank you very much fo your input!