Too Cold?

[Anton Yurchenko]

I have a Russian Tortoise which ive had for years however i lived in an apartment until a few weeks ago when i moved to a house. I built her an outdoor enclosure which is big enough and has three sort of rooms, one large, one medium, and one small one which is covered on 6 sides except for a door to enter it. I am wondering if i can keep her outside at night. I live in Canoga Park where at night its about 65F and during the day 85-95F. Up until now i kept her inside most of the day but now i take her out in the mornings to the pen and inside at night. I was wondering if that small closed off room is properly insulater, could she spend 24/7 in the pen as it is much larger than the indoor one and she likes it more. Thanks.

 

[gingerbee]

Welcome!! I don't have a Russian so I'll let the experienced keepers give the advice.

 

[Jodie]

Welcome. I don't know for sure either, but Russians are ok pretty cool I think. Congrats on the house.

 

[leigti]

Are you talking about summer temperatures or winter? Because it is colder than that there right now. I have a Russian tortoise and I keep her outside 24 seven as long as it doesn't get below 60° at night. if it does then I bring her in at night.

 

[leigti]

You could insulate part of it for her, there are several threads on that.

 

[Tom]

Canoga Park, CA? Those are summer temps and it is totally fine to leave her out all summer with an appropriate enclosure and shelter. I would not leave her outside in winter though. It is not warm enough to function properly on some days and nights, but it is also not consistently cold enough to hibernate either. For winter they either need a large indoor enclosure with the proper temps and lighting, or they need to be hibernated in proper consistently cold temperatures. I use a refrigerator to hibernate my russians. That is where they are right now.

Here is some care info:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/russian-tortoise-care-sheet.80698/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/