Reptile & Amphibian Forums

in the next few years after I get a really good box turtle enclosure built I plan to delve into russians, I have some questions though and want to fill my brain as much as I can before I do get them.
my first question, can russians live outside year round in Mass.?
I have no problem with artificially brumating if thats what needs to be done, thats the way I brumate my 3 toes.
2, whats the minimum amount of space per tort and what additional space should be added for tort?
I understand the more room the better, just want to know what the min. is.
3, can russians adapt to the humidity we get here in the north east?

I live in Ohio and I got a new Russian as well. As far as I can tell they'll be slightly tolerable to our weather, but during like dec-feb it'll be way to cold and wet so we'll have to bring them in

Minimum space outside I'd say about 4x4 or as I have for mine 4x6

Indoor I'll be using a 50gal aquarium with deep woodchip base and two heat lamps and a pad. With a rock house and a stainless steel dogpan for water and soaking.

I won't be hibernating her until I'm sure she's healthy and that'll take a few vet visits. But when that happens, I'd read russiantortoie.org on thier hibernating ideas

Nope. No way they could live here year round (I'm also in Massachusetts)...gets way too cold.

Now I've heard plenty of people say they will do fine in temps as low as 40F. As I'm sure you know, Massachusetts gets that lovely white stuff and gets far below 40F. Russians don't like that.

Me personally, I let mine out in the summer mostly. Spring and fall I'll let him out on warm days but bring him in at night...

Russians can handle really cold temps. They do hibernate naturally, but most dont let them out in the winters especially north since there is a risk of death.

If they get below 32f you have major problems.

Plus, there is usually going to be a problem with rodents finding the tort and eating it.