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[CornwellFamily]

Hi- I love this website, so much information! We have been researching tortoises and are feeling like the Russian Tortoise is the best match for our family. We live in SE Pennsylvania and would love to build an outdoor pen and hibernate the tortoise in the winter. It sounds like there is a lot to learn. Wondering if there is anyone in the forum that has done this in our region? Would love to chat about it with you and learn more. Or if anyone has any feedback, suggestions, tips, we would appreciate it very much. We are interested in an older tortoise. Thank you in advance! - Sarah

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum, Sarah!

 

[Tom]

Hello and welcome. By all means hibernate your tortoise if you want to, but learn about the lead in to hibernation and the lead out too. And don't do it outside. Do it inside in controlled conditions.

 

[CornwellFamily]

Oh wow, I did not realized you could hibernate them inside? Thank you for sharing!

 

[KarenSoCal]

You may have found these threads in your research here, but just in case...

Russian Tortoise Care Sheet

Russian tortoises have great personalities, are very hardy, tolerate a wide variety of enclosure parameters, stay small, and are generally a good "starter" tortoise in my opinion. Here is how I like to set them up: Indoor Enclosure type and size: Most people want to know the minimum size...

tortoiseforum.org

Why not to keep 2 tortoises together - a lesson learned the hard way

This is a copy/paste of an article I wrote on my blog last year. I've seen several new keepers ask the question of whether they should get a 'friend' for their tortoise, and so rather than keeping on linking to my blog (which feels kinda self-promoting, which is not my intent), I am creating a...

tortoiseforum.org

Looking for an RT Hibernation "Mentor"

In this thread, @Tom mentioned seeking out a "mentor" who has experience in successfully hibernating Russian tortoises. So I am looking for you! Or any ideas of potential helpful peeps... Thanks! :) A little background: My boyfriend and I are interested in hibernating Steve, our male Russian...

tortoiseforum.org

How to set up heat in new enclosure?

I just scored on a used 4x2x2 closed enclosure. It came with a socket I will put a 60w che in. And also 4' lighting fixture with a t5ho bulb by zoo med in it. So how should I set up the heating? Do I need to add a basking light? I also have the double light fixture I believe

tortoiseforum.org

 

[bouaboua]

Hello and Welcome to the forum.