Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have looked into them in past years but never got one.We live in a humid area, at least in summer.I want a small/med size that could possibly be hibernated through winter inside but would like to be outside in the real sun for summer, maybe in a garden made just for them.IDK I seem to remember that I was once looking into either the Russian or the Leopard tortoise.I do intend to look up all the care first.I do know about UVB and such but would like some suggestions as too which species to research that would be best.

Hi Joann. The Leopard Tortoise will not be a good choice for you. They don't hibernate and would need to be kept pretty warm and fed all through the winter. You could do what you are hoping to do with Hermann's or Russian Tortoises, and possibly a couple of other species. If you tell us where you live so we get an idea how cold and long the winters are, other forum members and/or I might be able to help you narrow down your choices a bit more.

Bill Z

I have russian tortoises in St Louis, MO. From 2001 to 2007 I kept them outdoors from roughly April to October each year and they did very well. Actually produced a few hatchlings.

When the original pen deteriorated and it wasn't reasonable to replace it, I kept my last two hatchlings and set them up indoors.

Outdoors is much better even though the local weather is very humid. Don't allow the outdoor pen to get flooded or remain constantly wet, and provide them with a dry tortoise house/retreat in the pen, and they are fine.

Once the weather turned too cold (daytime highs below 65, with nighttime lows dropping below 45), then I'd bring them indoors. While they are OK with an indoor pen with heat and lights, they just aren't the same active animals as they are outdoors.

Eventually the temps in my basement would cool off and the torts would go into hibernation from about December thru February.

So yes, Russian torts can live in a humid area and then hibernate indoors. Just pay attention to temperatures and excess dampness.

Good luck!

The russian was in fact the one I had researched a few years ago.Just took me awhile to remember which one it was.We live in Kansas so the same weather here as MO..I have a really big round heavy plastic horse water trough liner that my kids used as a pool for years but now it has some cracks in the bottom and no longer holds water.I was thinking if I sank this into the ground partway it would make an awesome tortoise garden.
I can bring the tortie inside for winter.

It sounds as though it is almost a ready-made habitat for tortoises! Sinking it into the ground is going to be the biggest task for you now.

Good luck,

Bill Z

I figure thats what my 22yo son can do for me...I dont see any Russians for sale anywhere so I dont know if I will end up with one.I wouldnt mind an idea of how much they go for.

Hi Joann,

Russian Tortoises are fairly inexpensive. I see them advertised on KS Classifieds fairly often. Some of the places that advertise other tortoises probably have them, but might not advertise them as often. If you don't see them advertised, but ask specifically for them, you may be able to check availability that way. Meanwhile if I see some advertised in the next few weeks, I will let you know.

Bill Z