Russian Tortoises

[Scincoides]

Here's a couple pics of my Russians and their pen. Ive kept them outdoors 8-9 months of the year for as long as ive had them. I think about 4 years for some of them. Im considering adding another 10 inches or so of soil and giving them a chance to brumate outdoors. Do anyone have experience keeping them outdoors in real cold weather? I live in arizona, but the winters up here at 5k feet can get pretty cold. Id love some opinions. Thanks.

 

[Yvonne G]

Mine live outside too, but I bring them up for winter. I was able to find them all a couple weeks ago, so right now they're on the carport in a 4'x8' cinderblock enclosure. When they stop eating I'll move them over to a 4'x4' cinder block enclosure that I pack with dried leaves and allow brumation in there.

My russian tortoise yard:


Where they are right now as we wait for winter:


I lined the cinder blocks with rigid foam insulation then added a protective covering of 1/4" plywood. The winters here are about 40-45F during the day and almost every night down in the 30's with the occasional foray below 30F.

 

[Tom]

Allowing them to hibernate outdoors is frequently a death sentence. Above ground conditions are far too unstable and will be even more so in a relatively small stock tank.

They should be hibernated safely under controlled conditions indoors.

 

[Scincoides]

Yvonne, that enclosure is incredible. Id love to make something like that in the spring.
Tom, thanks for your input, ill go ahead and keep them inside for the winter. I have to bring the others inside each winter anyways, it isnt any more work for 4 small Russians.