Reptile & Amphibian Forums

It's 58 degrees out, plus however cold the rain is. If my russian is underground Is this too cold? Do I need to bring him in? I need any information you can give me, as I don't want him to freeze.

Simple answer: If you don't feel comfortable with the situation, then bring in the tortoise.

To answer your specific question would require that I actually see the tortoise, the pen, and know the weather forecast. Even then I might not be sure and have to rely on my own "comfort zone."

My experience, which I've shared before, is that russian torts are fine in temps ranging form low 40s to low 100s, and can tolerate high humidity as long as they aren't in mud or standing water. But it all depends. I wouldn't keep them outdoors in constant temps in the 40s, it would have to warm up and be sunny the next day, they'd need adequate shelter, etc.

Just keep observing your tortoise and you'll eventualy see how it responds to the changing weather. And if in doubt, bring him in.

I have to go with Bradtort on this one Andrew. If the temps are going to warm back up and this cold snap is temporary, probably no big deal and he can stay outside. If it is going to be several days in the forties with rain, rain, rain, then bring him in for sure. This isn't your first post dealing with this situation and you are obviously uncomfortable leaving him out in your current weather conditions. Easy enough to bring him in for a few days til weather clears.

Bring him in, or lock him in a dry hibernation house. They don't do well when it is wet. I live in Southern California as well, and have seen many Russians come out of hibernation with Pneumonia, which is terrible for the toroise, expensive, and not always curable.

Bill