What would I be getting myself into??

[the_Ryno]

I am thinking about getting a Russian Tortoise. What would I be getting myself into exactly? I have keep a RTB for about a year, I know its a far cry from a tortoise.

I have read a few care sheets. I am mostly wondering about a pen.
Should I keep them in the same pen for their life? Or go up in size as it grows?
Could I keep it outside during the say and move it inside at night?

What are some other tips that you have learned from keeping tortoises that the care sheets dont tell you?

[Blu Mongoose]

As far as size of enclosure, I usually start with a smaller one for a hatchling. There are some great plans for tortoise tables on line.
As far as being inside at night, outside during the day, keep in mind the weather isn't always suitable in your area. It would be inside most of the time. They also can dig out of most areas very fast. You would have to have an escape proof area. Another thing is the concern with theft if you live in a populated area. Mine go out in nice weather, but are in a very secure enclosure inside a locked privacy fence. I may sound paranoid, but people will steal anything now.
Here is my torts outside yard. The bottom has been reinforced since pic was taken and a large box for shade added. I love torts, They make great pets.

[wafisherman]

http://tortoiseforum.org/index.php

http://russiantortoisepictures.com/f...p?action=forum

Russians are nice small torts. pretty easy to feed and care for, but like most critters, they do have some specific do's and don'ts...

Here are a few indoor tort setups I have: