helosoldier66

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Mar 1, 2018
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Location (City and/or State)
Southern Alabama
I know it is now spring but I need to plan ahead if I need to construct something indoors or out. Does anyone have experience with Russian tortoises and outdoor hibernation. I am wondering if they would naturally hibernate without any assistance from me. Their enclosure is large and well drained and the ground doesn't freeze in lower Alabama.
 

Yvonne G

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Jan 23, 2008
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Clovis, CA
Yes, I do. Years ago I bought about 15 Russians from a wholesaler in SoCal. I didn't know anything about the species, and allowed some of them to hibernate outside (because I couldn't find them). Most of them died. I found out later it was because our winters here in Central California are too wet. Russian tortoises need to be kept dry during hibernation. So, unless your Alabama weather is very similar to the weather where they come from, I wouldn't try outdoor hibernation.
 

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