FaunaClassifieds - View Single Post - ? regarding tortoises and tanks
View Single Post
Old 08-23-2007, 11:58 PM   #5
Clay Davenport
The link Paulina posted is an excellent article and explains the housing issue very well.
With the exception of a wire cage, aquariums are the poorest choice for housing a tortoise, and with an adequate enclosure being so easy to build, there's no excuse for using one.

Any tortoise species should not be restricted to an exclusively indoor life though. They need access to outdoor stimulation for as much of the year as is feasible.
Outdoor pens are easy to construct as well, and should always be a part of your overall plan on keeping them long term.
Considering that point, living in NJ, the Russian tortoises are an excellent choice. They are one of the hardiest species and probably the most cold tolerant. As long as it isn't wet, they can tolerate temperatures quite a bit cooler than other species which would allow them to benefit longer from outdoor accommodations.