Just How Long Can Summer Estivation Last for Outdoor Russians?

[Ruexiki]

Hello all! This is my first post. I have learned a lot from the forums. I adopted my adult Russian tortoise this spring and I live in Southwest USA, very hot desert environment. He lives in an outdoor enclosure in my backyard. 😊

In June, when the weather got above 100 degrees he went into hiding one night and I have not seen him for over a month! It's now end of July. I don't believe he escaped as the enclosure is built to prevent escape, and my yard is sealed off anyway and I have not seen him gotten out. I have tried digging for him under his hide where I last saw him, but can't find him after digging 6-8 inches. He may also possibly have dug himself under a plant shrub he likes to sleep under, however it was not possible for me to dig under the plant roots. I am hoping he is down there. I still make sure there is water everyday, and there are many plants in the enclosure for him to eat if he does decide to wander out, though I have not seen him out yet despite checking early mornings and later evenings when it is cool. It has rained a couple times this summer and I thought for sure I'd see him the following mornings or evenings, but no luck yet.

I have read all about summer estivation however cannot find exactly just how long they can stay under. I've read on other threads that they might stay buried from June to October for the entire summer! 😓 What has been your experience for those who have outdoor-living Russian tortoises in hot & arid climates? How deep can they dig? All I can do now is wait until he hopefully comes out in the Fall, but some reassurance would be very helpful! Thanks so much!!! 🙏

 

[Tom]

When I had Russians outdoors, I dug them up, if needed, every single night and had them sleep in their safe quarters. Head count, every night.

Russians are known escape artists and very creative about it. I would go find your tortoise and make sure you still have a tortoise.

To avoid this problem going forward, make an underground retreat that stays cooler than surface temps, and your tortoise shouldn't go into aestivation. I'm in the desert too. Temps are 100+ here from June through September too. Its 105 outside right now. Mine never aestivated. None of my species do.

 

[Ruexiki]

When I had Russians outdoors, I dug them up, if needed, every single night and had them sleep in their safe quarters. Head count, every night.

Russians are known escape artists and very creative about it. I would go find your tortoise and make sure you still have a tortoise.

To avoid this problem going forward, make an underground retreat that stays cooler than surface temps, and your tortoise shouldn't go into aestivation. I'm in the desert too. Temps are 100+ here from June through September too. Its 105 outside right now. Mine never aestivated. None of my species do.

Thank you for your reply!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Did you manage to dig your tortoise up?

 

[Ruexiki]

Did you manage to dig your tortoise up?

No, I tried digging under his hide but didn't find him. And the 2nd place I think he's under is under a flower bush and there are lots of roots so I couldn't dig under. I've read that Russians like to bury themselves under roots of plants that make it hard to find them. Do you know how deep can they dig?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Mine doesn't dig much. He just shimmers down and his shell is always a little visible. Maybe @Tom can answar your question. If I were you I would try to find him. I try to prevent estivation and dig my tortoise up every night and put him to his shelter.