Russian tortoises in Florida opinions?

SouthernRFT

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I am interested in getting some Russian tortoises but wanted to keep them outdoors. Would they do ok in the humidity of Florida, and can they stay outside year round if provided with a dry shelter in winter?

Any opinions appreciated.
 

dmmj

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yes yes yes and yes again yes a thousand more time I see no reason why a Russian wouldn't do good outside
 

Tidgy's Dad

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Get your set up right and they should thrive.
The parts of Europe they come from get much colder
 

johnsonnboswell

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If I moved to Florida, I'd take my RTs with me and make it work. If I already lived in Florida and were acquiring tortoises, RTs would not be my first choice. My personal opinion here. You're going to adore having any species, but I think it would be easier to keep a species that requires high humidity.
 

leigti

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I think Russians will do just fine. But one advantage, and truly the only one I can think of, of high humidity is that other species of tortoise and box turtles would also do well. Such as Redfoot.
 

ZEROPILOT

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My brother has one and he lives here, also. Just keep in mind that they are the fightingest tortoises on the planet, so make a BIG enclosure or just keep one.
 

Foursteels

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I live in Southeast Florida and recently acquired a Russian Tortoise. He's kept outdoors in an 8'x8' enclosure and just loves it. He has a deep cave type hide that stays cool and dry and he loves all the rain we've had the past week.
 

Big B

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Mine do great outside even in the rain. I have a underground dry box for them.
 

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