Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi! I was thinking of either a russian tortoise or hermann's tortoise, and i will probably get whichever i am able to adopt or obtain captive-bred first. The problem is, i know that tortoises really like outdoor enclosures, but it gets really hot here in the summer. Like often in the 90's and sometimes around 100! Would setting up a pen with access to the shade be enough to cool off witha pan of water? I read that russians require a hotter basking area, so i'm leaning towards them. Still, it worries me that it gets so hot. That's why i'm covering all these topics BEFORE i get a tortoise, so dont get all snappy! Sorry. hehe. anyways i also read that hermann's tortoises are more tolerant of being kept indoors more often. Any tips, advice, opinions, or comments? Thank you!!!

ps Ive been reaading a whole bunch of care sheets from the internet.
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Paullywog

If it has scales or smooth wet skin... snatch it!!!

As long as the enclosure has enough shade for the tort to retrieve from the heat it should be fine. Some torts will dig a burrow in the dirt to get out of the heat when it's hot. Since you live in such warm weather, I would recommend you soaking your tortoise daily or once every other day to make sure it is well hydrated.

"Hi! I was thinking of either a russian tortoise or hermann's tortoise, and i will probably get whichever i am able to adopt or obtain captive-bred first."

Excellent choice!

"The problem is, i know that tortoises really like outdoor enclosures, but it gets really hot here in the summer. Like often in the 90's and sometimes around 100!"

where do you live? there are people who breed russians in south carolina, louisiana, arizona, minnesota, missouri, and california (just to name a few). 90-100 is not a problem with shade and cool retreat. some people that worry about the heat use earthenware or terra cotta hides with a drip water system. the evaporation keeps the container (tunnels) very cool. it's the same system as the terra cotta wine coolers that were popular with the chardonnay crowd.

matt

Temps of 90-100 are no problem as long as the animals can get out of the sun. I live in Missouri and I have had my animals out in temps ranging from 40 to 105. They have a hide area (wooden box with a brick floor) where they get out of the sun. On really hot days I will spray down the enclosure and their hide box. They also have a water dish that they rarely use.

The only environmental condition you can't expose your russians to is cold AND wet. When temps are below 60 and it's damp or rainy I bring my torts indoors.

Thank you! I am more comfortable knowing that other people have kept tortoises out in the heat. I just want to make sure about everything before i get a tortoise. Thanks.
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Paullywog

If it has scales or smooth wet skin... snatch it!!!