Enough exercise?

[RainsOn]

What is optimal amount of exercise for a Russian? How do I know he is getting enough?
I take him to the yard once or twice a day while I garden. He is constantly looking for the perimeter of the yard.
Since he has an inside terrarium, I want to be sure he is getting enough exercise to be healthy.

 

[dmmj]

No real guideline, just take him out as often as possible, of course a nice big outdoor enclosure would be optimal

 

[RainsOn]

Thanks for the reply. Out doors is not doable here and now. I am considering an outdoor run - will think this through for next summer.

 

[lismar79]

An outside safe escape proof habitat is best for him. Put a good amount of sight barriers in it such as plants, logs, rocks, caves erc. Russians are fast so even looking away for a second could be bad. They are also great climbers and diggers so put some research into it! Mine runs around hers for a few hours a day. When she goes into her "cave" I know she's had enough & I take her back in.

The pic is my Martha climbing out of her first encloser

 

[RainsOn]

I am getting excited about the outdoor run. There is a 6' diameter, circle flower bed in the center of my yard with a 4' tree surrounded by small shrubs. My idea is to remove the shrubs and transplant them to other areas of the yard. The bed is enclosed with what is called rail road tie logs. Right now he is climbing over them. I want to surround them on the outside with pickets, add organic soil over the cedar mulch and add the "furniture".
How does that sound? Comments?
P.S. I was born in Ohio

 

[lismar79]

Sounds pretty good If the bushes are tort safe, you may want to consider leaving them in for shade & extra hiding areas.
putting an over hanging lip on the rail logs might help. O r a big lid over the entire thing to keep birds & such out.

 

[dmmj]

Sounds good, just remember to cap any corners, they can and do climb even what would seem impossible otherwise.

 

[Yvonne G]

One thing to think about with railroad ties is the fact that they were processes and treated with creosote. Sometimes, when not real, real old, the creosote escapes, leaking into the ground or surrounding area. It might be harmful to the tortoise. After the ties have aged a long time, this doesn't seem to be the case anymore.

 

[RainsOn]

I was working on the tortoise run this morning. Can't be easily enclosed with a tree in the center.
Rail road ties are very old - rotting actually. This question did come to mind.
I will be posting a photo (soon) of the shrubs he wants to eat. Left one (for now) until I know it is safe - or not.
Not looking forward to digging up the three that have deep roots. Digger better appreciate me.
There are no corners - it is a round area.
I have a couple really interesting stories I want to post in the opinion thread on tortoise intelligence.
Thanks to everyone for all the advice.