Question About Russian Being Outside

[Jc918]

Ok so I finally did it Built a VERY nice out door pen for my little guy. It has a screen on the bottom of the cage and it's pretty deep also the top has a screen and it's VERY secured and with a pad lock. I used cypress mulch from home depot to fill the box. I still need to add a few rocks and some plants. He has a place to hide. I will post some photos soon.

Any how my question is ? Can I leave my little guy outside most of the time ? Today it's 63 here in Owasso Oklahoma and sunny. I put one of his heat bulbs outside on top of his cage for now. If it rains I for sure won't be able to keep it out there. Can someone give me some proper out door care instructions this is the first time I have had him outside. What temps to look for , should I bring him in at night etc

 

[Maggie Cummings]

I personally think in order to rightfully answer your questions we need to know just how old the tortoise in question is...

 

[Tom]

Yeah, there are tons of variables to consider. Generally, I put mine out for a few hours in nice weather and bring them in at night.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

We keep all ours outside all day from day. We just make sure they have shade and water, for drinking and cooling down (soaking). Anything below 70 we bring in all hatchlings.

 

[Jc918]

Well he's not a baby I have owned him for about 7 months and I got him from a pet store and they had him for about 1 year. If I had to guess I would say he is about 5 to 6 years old or older

 

[Maggie Cummings]

Then I'd say he can be outside all day and even at night if it's not too cold at night. Staying over 65 degrees and he has a safe secure place to sleep. Not just under a leaf or a plant but an inside safe place to sleep he MIGHT be able to stay out at night.
I personally don't like thinking about any tort sleeping outside at night...

 

[Tortuga_terrestre]

My russian has been outside 24/7-365 since 2005! But I live in So Cal. Yes it does get cold here, but they come from much colder places and thrive. She has grown significantly while living outside...she is practically WILD; she hibernates on her own every year.

 

[Jc918]

I built him a little house to hide in. I will share some photos with you guys soon.

I am about to take him to the vet next week. He still is not eating much. I was hoping having him out side would perk him up. He is moving around more but not eating. He's only been outside twice yesterday and today so he still may need some time. I think he's been depressed being inside and wanting to hibernate.