Smokey Weather

[tortoisecrca]

I built an outdoor enclosure last year but so far this year have had very few days that my tortoise can go outdoors. Winters are horrible here so he can’t go out as it’s extremely cold . The weather is better, some days to hot but some a decent temperature. Lately we are getting days that are moderate on the Smokey scale so again he’s stuck inside. I’m in Mb and it looks like most of the season will be Smokey on and off. . I’m very aware of if it is because I have to check the weather due to my lung issues as well.
I don’t let him roam in the house, he’s always in his enclosure. His is a decent size but he’s not very active and I feel badly that he’s not. And it’s the same old, same old. I’m thinking of building a bigger enclosure for him. What’s a good size? He’s in a large room . Thanks

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Hello!
For a grown up Russian tortoise (I assume that's the one you have) a good start is a 4x8ft. Larger is better. It could be L or Π shaped, with a second level, etc. Live plants, hills and valleys in substrate, buried plant pots, tunnels and similar break "line of sight" and make enclosure more interesting.

Common reasons for inactivity are temperatures (too hot or too cold), low lightning (ambient LEDs are necessary).

 

[tortoisecrca]

Thank you, I’ll look into doing that.

 

[Maggie3fan]

Your tort sounds like he's too cold..here's the best advice you can get...I keep tortoises in the PNW, but our winters are not near yours (thank god)...welcome and even tho you didn't ask.. it may not be real smokey at tortoise level, we about burned up last year and it was never bad for the torts...just me...lol

The Best Way To Raise Any Temperate Species Of Tortoise