Tortoises outdoors

[Bird7]

I live in the UK so the weather over here is not the best, the weather had picked up lately and is quite sunny outside. I was wondering if my Russian tortoises (age 4 and 6) would be able to play out in the back garden?

I'm just worried incase they eat anything that could be poisonous to them

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Bird7, there are many other UK members here. Hopefully one will know what you need to look out for.

 

[Bird7]

Thank you! I'm just worries incase there has been any rats that have wee'd/poo'd and they eat the soil.

The backgarden is in the process of getting new grass laid down so for now the soil is bumpy which I think they'd enjoy climbing on

 

[Yvonne G]

There are quite a few folks in the UK who keep tortoises outside in their gardens. I think as long as the fencing is safe and he can't escape, there's probably nothing to worry about. Russians are very good at climbing and digging. Just make sure they can't escape.

 

[Bird7]

I wouldn't be keeping them outside over night just for them to go out for a few hours a day and I'd be watching them

 

[Tom]

You will need to make enclosure for them and ensure that all the plants he will have access to are safe and edible. If you are not sure of a plant, I would remove it. Not having them in an escape proof enclosure is a sure way to lose them, as many before you, including myself, can attest. This will help: http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/beginner-mistakes.45180/

It also looks like you are housing them as a pair. I know you were not asking about this, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this is a bad idea. Tortoises, especially aggressive, territorial species like russians, should not be kept in pairs. I recommend you separate them ASAP. Here is more on the subject:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...together-a-lesson-learned-the-hard-way.94114/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/bad-day-for-baby.114328/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/pairs.34837/

 

[Bird7]

Thanks, I will look into buying an outdoor enclosure for them! Yea I've had them together for about 6 months now and they seem fine, I do monitor ye behaviour and they don't really acknowledge eachother.

However, I do have a spare tank incase I do notice anything and I will then keep them seperate

 

[Tom]

Thanks, I will look into buying an outdoor enclosure for them!

To my knowledge, no one sells outdoor enclosures. They must be built. Here are some ideas for that:
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread...table-but-safe-outdoor-baby-enclosures.30683/
http://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/semi-underground-russian-box.98590/

There are many way to make a safe outdoor enclosure. Do a search or go to the enclosure section and have a look. We have many members who have posted some pretty inspiring enclosures.

 

[Lyn W]

Hi Bird7 yes the weather has been great in UK the last few days. I am also in the process of making my garden more tortoise friendly but in order to take advantage of the sun I have checked the ground level temps which have been 80+, in my sheltered spot, I also checked for hazards in the grass and fenced off a safe area so that my leopard could enjoy real UV and graze on the grass. He's quite big and doesn't climb or dig so although I've been out keeping an eye on him, I have been able to get on with making my patch safe. Of course he wanted full run of the garden but its just not possible at the moment so he'll just have to wait, but at least he has enjoyed a couple of hours outside in the afternoons.

 

[Bird7]

Yes @Lyn W the weather has really picked up. Hopefully in the summer they can have a good run round while taking in the sun