Help with a Russian Tortoise

[Karole]

I took over parenting of a Russian Tortoise in May of this year. I live in a valley north of Los Angeles where daytime temps during the summer run 90-100 and are all over the place in the winter with nighttime lows that can drop into the 30's and low 40's. Tortoise is about the size of a paper plate. I have kept her outside in an enclosure I built. With the nights cooling down so much I am afraid to keep her outside. Unfortunately I have very little indoor space. I am at a bit of a loss at this point with winter care for her, hibernation, etc. Can anyone give me some advice and guidance on this? Thank you!!

 

[dmmj]

Salutations.
It is usually unwise to hibernate a tortoise the first year you have it. I would suggest getting an old boocase and making a nice indoor enclosure this year.

Excelsior!

 

[russian/sulcata/tortoise]

welcome to the forum! can you post a pic of the russian and its enclosure?

 

[johnsonnboswell]

You can bring her in at night when the temps drop. For a purely sleeping box you won't need as much space as you would for day times.

 

[tortadise]

Welcome

 

[Gillian M]

A warm welcome to the forum. Hope you get the help you need soon. Good luck.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hello and welcome to the TFO from AZ . Russians Rule.

 

[Yvonne G]

Welcome to the Forum, Karole!

I like the bring-in-the-house-at-night suggestion. Russian tortoises do pretty well in cooler temps. Only thing is, the shorter days might trigger the hibernation reflex in the tortoise.

 

[pam]

Welcome

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Welcome to TFO!

 

[Karole]

Thank you all for the welcomes! Glad to see a nice, friendly community! I will post a pic of Natasha and her enclosure soon. I think I am leaning toward the bring in at night option, as well. It would be great to do something indoors but space is so limited! Any other tips for care and keeping are very appreciated

 

[leigti]

You can get a very large Rubbermaid bin, I have one that is a 54 gallon one from Home Depot. Keep the tortoise outside during the day when it's bright and sunny and warm . But also set up a nice bright warm enclosure indoors so that your tortoise does not try to hibernate. 12 to 14 hours of "sunlight" daily and warm temperatures should help keep your tortoise awake all winter. You were lucky you live in a climate where you can do this. My tortoise is now stuck inside for the next few months, I feel bad but that's the way it goes. welcome to the forum.

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Karole
Thank you .