Basic Set Up For Starting Baby Tortoises! Crucial Information For Best Care.

[@marthahines1979]

You knocked it out of the park in terms of providing great , clear and helpful info for working with tortoises. For me, you are the go to site for trustworthy information. So glad you are doing this. Someday I want to come visit ! Greetings from Seattle 😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow, thank you!

[@hahamindy]

​@@GardenStateTortoise Hello, from vermont! I wanna come visit too! Thank you for your information! We just had a russian tortiose hatch the other day and I'm using all of your advice! ☺

[@RebeccaYouhoo]

I trust Cris. He truly wants everybody do the best for your Turts and Torts!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢

[@RC_Murphy]

An added bonus of using the tote as a baby bin is it doubles as a travel/emergency bin even if your (smaller) tortoise has grown. I keep this same exact bin on-hand and have had to use it a few times to evacuate Luka (Russian tortoise) during fires in our apartment complex.

[@OnlyTAS]

I once had to evacuate with 4 turtles in my pockets. Now I have travel "backpack" for them, never again 😢

[@chezmoi42]

Gosh, multiple fires in the complex? Does it need a safety inspection?

[@RC_Murphy]

@@chezmoi42 Slumlords are a hell of a thing. I've never seen someone get so many citations from the city and not do anything for 2 years. They're now rebuilding with heavy supervision.

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

I created an evacuation kit when I learned about us humans needing one. I live up north in NJ so I have in it not just your basic staples but it's an insulated (sandwich) bag where I can put one of those hand warmers in. Doesn't get the environment too hot but warm enough so the poor baby or in my case a grown box turtle doesn't go down below 50 degrees. and yes, I have some hair raising stories of 12 days without power in Nov during hurricane Sandy, changing water bottles to every 6 hours to keep him warm!

[@amandas5261]

Yup. We have one as a part of our evacuation plan for hurricanes for our Hermanns. Once had to make him wear a warm fuzzy sock because we thought we were going to be without power for a while. Luckily we weren’t.

[@skehleben7699]

Its so refreshing to see someone explain animal care without promoting expensive unnecessary products. It is solely motivated by providing the best possible care. Great show, thanx!!🐢🐢

[@lindasherman3883]

Great educational video. I love that you state how much has changed over the years and that old information is still being put out there. We have to ted slider turtles at work for our veterans and their families to see and provide information about them. We have a staff member who has turtles at home, and she is the one who cares for them at work.

[@Sheworkshardforthemoney]

Make sure she leaves instructions for care on the days she's out sick.

[@lindasherman3883]

@trishg5820 she does, and she premeasures the food out and has a check list, and if any problems you can call her

[@claudiaw5405]

You guys are the best! Your explanation on the sand makes perfect sense.

[@lindawelburn9140]

Just remember that tortoises live to be 120 years. Have fun but this are living creatures.

[@Laurastars72]

I raise two of my Indian stars from hatchlings and used your tub hack which worked out great it retained the moisture and the heat and now they are a year and four months old and in a 36 x 18 enclosure .

[@tf4698]

Thank you for this. I have a couple hatchling Russian tortoises I am raising up and I have been using your videos for guidance. They're doing great so far 4 months in.

[@loriw2661]

Thank you for providing the best info! I stopped my neighbor from picking up a box turtle a few weeks ago and explained why. I only knew that because I’ve watched your channel for years🐢❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori!!!

[@rickieoakes5267]

Sharing information like this is a great idea! It can save them and the turtle a huge amount of trouble! In my state , it's illegal to pick up a box turtle 🐢

[@michaelmatton1562]

Once again great video with the best info. I would love to see a red foot video like this but also some info on older or mature tortoise care and how the care/diet changes from hatchling to adult.

[@DJwarthog]

Thank you so much for promoting natural environment replication for our housed reptiles/animals in general! I do not own and probably wouldn’t own a tortoise, BUT I do love and have owned snakes and fish. Both enclosures were set up as naturalistically as possible and the heating/lighting was used with what made sense to me - which is what you’re saying here. Keep the heat light/uvb on during the day, shut them off just before dusk and that goes for all seasons. I have timers that I can program as the seasons change but honestly it made it a better experience for me personally to manually turn those things on and off for my animals. This makes sure you’re looking in at least twice a day too (life can be wild sometimes and not every animal needs to be fed daily) but that habit ensures you’re going to see illness/behavioral changes as quickly as the animal shows it. It’s also just nice to have that routine where I would sit with them and be mindful for a little bit each morning and evening. I really enjoy replicating nature whenever possible for my housed animals bc you get the closest representation of their natural behaviors. It’s nice to see another reptile owner saying this stuff bc I feel like my care could be considered “controversial” when it really shouldn’t be at all, and I tend to have animals live FAR beyond their typical captive life expectancy and I believe that’s to do with the care I give.

[@keldaMouse]

I adore baby tortoises. Having those two lights on timers would be amazing with just the lid opening and closing with day and night checks. So easy and sweet. Thanks for the great info!

[@Don-LeighSchofield-ud8gs]

I am SO HAPPY ABOIT THIS VIDEO!!! Thank you for going over this again. I have a baby Hermans and I have a tote enclosure with all natural accents plus a terracotta dish for bathing. I give this type of temp life and light life. My baby seems to ve thriving so far. Thank you. Thank you for elaborating on baby care

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Glad it was helpful!

[@32446]

Great video. Would love to see a video on juvenile Hermanns care. There doesn’t seem to be much info out there.

[@dozersmom22]

Awesome video, Chris! Your approach is so much better than the online forums that inject fear into new baby tortoise owners. My Eastern Hermann’s is now 5 years old. I live in one of the cooler parts of Canada where my tortoise has to spend most of the year indoors. I would love to see a video on your ideas and suggestions of the best way to keep a full grown tortoise, indoors. I had an enclosure custom made with expanded pvc that is about 6ft x 4ft. I’m always looking for new ideas and ways to improve my setup so would love to see your most recent thoughts on the matter.

[@ProdAsher-zy1vp]

I'm not sure what part of Canada you live in, but I live in Alberta, and it can too get really cold in the winter. My bedroom is the furthest room from our furnace and as a result can get really cold. For anyone that could potentially be of any help, I know the video made mention of not using lights 24/7, but without them, could these cold temperatures not be detrimental to the tortoise?

[@dozersmom22]

@@ProdAsher-zy1vp Tortoises need a day and night cycle and the temperature variation is part of that. They need a cool down at night. Most homes shouldn’t drop to a temp that would be dangerous cold for a tortoise. If supplemental heat is required at night, you should use a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) on a thermostat, but again, you want cooler temps at night. If your house gets very cold, you’d also want to consider a closed chamber so it’s easier to get the temps you need. My enclosure is open topped, but the walls are about 2 ft high. If the temps drop around -40 for consecutive days, I have to cover the enclosure to keep the temps just right. I’m in SK, btw. Nice to meet you!

[@JenniferA-k5d]

❤Thank you for these basic care videos. I reference them again and again to improve my care.

[@jocunningham]

So very very cute! ❤❤❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@Yo_LBC13]

Picking up my Hermanns this week so perfect timing! Thanks so much for all your knowledge

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@guillaumegarcia1614]

Great video as always!

[@user-eh2se4yf6q]

Best video ever, Casey! Loved the side videos and photos. Very entertaining and educational.

[@BrittanyMarie27]

This is so smart. I might start with a bin for my soon to be new tortoise, just to make sure i can keep up the humidity.

[@georgemontevirgen8312]

Hey Chris. I do agree with the sand in the substrate. With just soil, my tortoise was kind of just dragging himself when moving, but when I added sand, he started lifting himself up and is now moving around normally as it should. Thanks man

[@YouLookism]

a bigggg kiss to the tiny model 🤭😘🐢💖 love babies 🥰

[@attilany78]

Thank you for this video! I love the simplicity you explain the right way to live with tortoises. I would love a video from indoor adult Hermans. Also would be interesting to hear about their winter rest.

[@Coopdog12717]

This video definitely needs more likes

[@Windシ]

Thank you I was trying to get a setup tutorial for Hermann's and this was perfect and I trust you :D

[@stevenbardies]

Been watching your videos for the past years, and it really helped a lot specially with outdoor setups. I hope you guys can also make a video about enabling hatchling on a full outdoor setup. You guys are the "Outdoor" expert in the web right now. questions like: - Best age they can be fully outdoor? - Things to consider (If hatchling size) - Taking species into consideration - Do's and don't Most of the vids in the web about outdoor is for matured tortoise. Hoping you can create a vid that is focused on hatchling or at their early age. Thank you for all your helpful videos!

[@CardboardPaper]

Awesome video!! I really would love to adopt a tortoise, they're on of my favorite animals, but I do wanna make sure I give them the propper life conditions, so these videos help a lot! Saludos desde España! :D

[@jharbo1]

Hey, GST, I truly admire what you are doing, but I will never own a wild animal who cannot decide to live with me voluntarily. Turtles are wonderful animals, and I am grateful that you are taking care of so many especially the poor souls who were abused, neglected, or previously owned by clueless humans. You guys are fantastic.

[@stephenweaver4445]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention your past video for outdoor tabletop set up for smaller tortoises.That was a great idea, especially since you got everything cheaply from the garden section at the local big box store.

[@fredvomlehn8457]

Always a pleasure to see babies starting well!!!

[@jessweet49]

Like the idea of a video of starting hatchlings outside... mayve a video.. lets get fruity..deep dive into fruit consumption. Who what where and how often.

[@dapperdingo]

Bet they love grapes and blueberries. Mine used to love baby mice years ago when I had full grown Eastern box turtles that I rescued off of the road. Fed them in the tub with a trickle of water flowing from the faucet, with lettuce also.

[@pegedey1291]

You are such a great champion for your animals! Great presentation! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤❤😊

[@erikasturquoisefeather4721]

Just found you and I am really grateful for your advice! My mother tried to look after a baby tortoise and got so anxious she had to give it back. If I decide to get a tortoise, I'll certainly check back. I have saved the video and I will share it (the link) if I know anyone who needs to hear it!

[@briandrzewiecki5861]

Would love a video about desert tortoises. I have a Mojave desert tortoise and I am always looking for tips to improve things.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for the idea!

[@Lisa-qy3bp]

If anybody wants real information on tortoises garden state tortoise is ur answer there fantastic I’ve been a follower for some time now and they know what there on about ❤ great channel 👍👍👍💯

[@bkm2797]

Excellent mini class on baby turtle set ups, this is definitely the channel to watch when you want to raise turtles the best way possible. Chris, have you ever thought about making proper pamphlets for these major chains and small mom and pop shops, I know you are really busy but it’s really concerning the ones they are handing out to customers. Hope you do more of these, it really seems important. Thanks for taking us along.🐢💕👍

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

Yes those pamphlets are attention getters but a lot of information so wrong. I picked up a bunch of them at my local Pet Smart a few years ago for the photos (collect turtle/tort pics) but when I read through them scratched my head. I could visualize my turtle's reaction with a Bronx raspberry to their advice!

[@bkm2797]

@@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul You would think these shops would really want to make sure the information is accurate, sadly I guess not.

[@bethannyallain5395]

Another great educational video. I learn so much from you. ❤❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@laurabentzinger200]

Omg how cute are these Lil tortoises adorable!

[@miffyple4882]

great video 😍 I will share it in our Facebook group. in our country, turtles are still taken en masse from nature because people do not know that they are strictly protected...or they steal them from nature and sell the hatchlings without papers, because in Croatia you have to have papers for a turtle. A big unknown is also how to take proper care of them from birth onwards, and not to mention their nutrition, because we persistently tell people how unhealthy tomatoes and blueberries are... this video will open many people's eyes, I hope and thank you for everything you do. I watched all your videos. greetings from Croatia

[@laurieroach2127]

So sweet. very informative.

[@chrisbaker7302]

Thanks for sharing the was awesome and informative. Great to watch and enjoy your passion. Always Funny to see Otis being curious and his nosy almost dog like personality. That Chinese bighead looks just like a shrunk down snapper.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha definitely! Thank you so much ☺️

[@trevorbergeron6478]

Could you make a video of starting the hatchlings outdoors? Best enclosure, do you still need lighting? How cold is too cold?

[@christinesmith4027]

I just bought my grandkids Russian -CB tortoises and have been watching as much of your channel as I can. Do you have a link to a video on these types of tortoise and best way to care for them to give them the best life we can. Habitat, diet, etc. we are So excited to learn as much as possible about our new friends.

[@SzilviaVitanyi]

Hi, I loved the video thank you. I’m wondering how to or how often to clean their enclosure? Thank you.

[@chrisbyrnes4490]

I'll look for them!! Thanks!

[@jboreal7982]

Awwww. He so cute.

[@7of9Lives]

I have been so overwhelmed with the difference in what people say the humidity and temp requirements for red foot torts should be😩 a red foot specific care vid would be great

[@Kiwistart]

Would you please do a updated outdoor encloser setup for babies? Thank you! Watch you every video.

[@bridgettstone5759]

Very Cool!!

[@LouiseThain]

I have an idea for a video! (That’s if you haven’t already made it) my mum wants to buy a Red Footed Tortoise, but neither of us know much about them, so could you possibly make another species specific video about Red Foots? It would be lovely as you’re one of the best tortoise channels I’ve seen and we’ve already taken a lot of advice and made enclosures like yours for ours (Sulcatas, Russians, Herman’s)

[@sandyaw3057]

Thank you for a wonderful, educational video!

[@bunnytort]

What about using a full spectrum UVB/UVA heat lamp on an automatic timer to turn on in the morning and off at night?

[@Lisa-qy3bp]

Aww he’s sooooo cute ❤🐢

[@dannybowlin7991]

Always the best Sir. Love to see an "outside hatchling " pen video. Mini Pen screen tops

[@nataliesreptiles]

Awesome video. Is there much difference between desert baby tort care and tropical baby tort care? I have both a baby pancake tortoise and a 2 yr old red-foot. I've been keeping the pancake a lot dryer and just offering a small water dish for them to drink from. Maybe a video on the pros and cons of both types of tortoises would be an idea.

[@ValterCintra]

Congratulations on the explanation, I'll do the same, thank you for sharing.

[@ErikaJean-q6c]

How often and how to change the substrate?

[@bluepototo7671]

Do one for semi aquatic turtles, please

[@P43LO70]

Yes. Please

[@chrisbyrnes4490]

What about a suggestion for box turtle hatchlings?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We have several how to raise baby box turtle videos in the care playlist. 👍🏻

[@samwyz69]

Now I want a tortoise 😉

[@erikadowdy2382]

Just a baaaaaby😊♥️🌼 Change the water every day also⛑️

[@tanyanagorski8128]

Could you use the dual lamp like your old video only have it hanging over ?

[@leosparadox9757]

Is there a baby cherryhead tortoise care video?

[@JoeJoe-mq7xh]

Awesome video. Would definitely love to send an outdoor starter video.

[@CrowsCrossingFarms]

Wow...am stunned. This is so different from all the guidelines I have been reading on my hatchling Hermann's- am nervous turning off heat at night as our house gets down to 65 degrees, but all this makes so much sense. Chris, any chance you are available for consulting? Paid of course. It would be so helpful to ask questions directly. Many, many thanks for this video and all your insight!

[@LowCarbLeonie]

Would this set up and care be appropriate for a box turtle baby too?

[@xxark_penxx4165]

Hey I have a greek tortoise. She likes to eat little pebbles. Like ones you see on a pathways. I live in an apartment building, so I don't have a garden. So I take her out every day. And I have to literally breathe down her neck. Because if I don't, she'll walk to one of the pathways and start eating the pebbles. Why does she do that? I'm afraid that she'll eat to many and can get impacted. Looking forward to all the advice.

[@alexhipsey5840]

i’d love to see a full vid on red foot care

[@caronleejones352]

Sir, have you ever thought about getting in touch with the manufacturerof the two page pamphlets? If they can’t help you, maybe they will be able to advise you as to who you can talk to…it’s worth a try, if you ever have any time left! By the way, this channel is the best of its kind! And, Thank You for all your hard work!

[@DarrylNagy]

Do you have a video like this for tropical tortoises like red and yellow foot tortoises?

[@Martinplay70]

Yesss❤

[@Lisa-qy3bp]

Great information thank you state tortoise garden ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Our pleasure!

[@gmaromusic]

Im based in the UK and am getting a hermann tortoise. I've got a uvb/uva light combo - the place I purchased it from said to get 100w. Would it be fine to have the light on for a 12hr period? Say 7am - 7pm?

[@danielhuimunloong8495]

I love your video, Chris. It's so educational. Can you talk more about the setting for Indian Star Tortoise.

[@TheTrainedFerret]

Thanks for this great video! Do you know of a way to hang the uvb strip bulb? What books do you recommend for Western Hermann’s tortoise indoor/outdoor care?

[@dozersmom22]

The lamp stand that Chris uses in this video for the heat lamp can also be used to hang the UV strip. When I had an enclosure about the size of the one in this video, I used 2 of those lamp stands and then bought small gauge chain link from the hardware store. If your fixture has hanging holes, could also pick up some small S hooks from the hardware store to assist with hanging it, using the chain link. Using the chain link, allowed me to get the height just right so the UV output was spot on, using the Solarmeter 6.5r.

[@TheTrainedFerret]

@@dozersmom22thank you!!

[@Torbiksa]

Just got two baby Testudo Hermann tortoises, one seems to be relaxed and getting used to their new home but one seems to be stressed and keeps trying to get out. Their new home is not small, they have everything they need to survive, hiding places, climbing places, water, food, uvb+ uva lamp, heating lamp, coco soil and so on. How to make my one baby tortoise also feel more relaxed and used to their new home?

[@andrearamosramos134]

best video 🎉

[@conniewolf7300]

That's so cute!

[@SilverFlame819]

4:00 OMG, I want to nom its little adorable face. XD

[@dawnkay8852]

It’s reassuring to know that I did everything right for my first ever Ibera Greek hatchlings.

[@BrooklynHudson]

Chris, how do we get Petco and PetSmart to let you do a rewrite on those pamphlets. That's awful !!!

[@neosunrider]

I love how you teach and the information provided. I also know I sadly will not likely get a turtle myself as I can barely keep a single plant alive. I am not ready for a living, breathing being. :')

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

you got yourself alive for how many years? don't underestimate yourself! If you really want a turtle research the best one for you and start with only one and look at all of Cris' videos on how to be successful with that species. I lost a few turtles when I was younger but I've had my box turtle for 62 years because I love him and am very careful with his care!

[@johnnyvelasco6396]

What about closed chamber with basking and uvb on top with holes cut ?

[@caileymunda5930]

He has a previous video from last year with that exact setup you mentioned.

[@anezkazejdova3994]

Hi, I have question. I have two two year's olds Herman's tortoises. In Czech literature about them they states that Herman's should have hay in enclosure all the time. Is it common and right? I'm not really sure, because sice my baby Herman's had that unlimited access to hay, they gained weight a lot.

[@jaymeparker27]

Great video! Getting our first baby tortoise next week, stigmochelys pardalis . Our we've put together a tote just like the one in the video. I would love to see how you get them started outside. That's where we want them to be. We have a adult sulcata that lives outside on our property. We believe, like most keepers, that is what's best for the animals. Thank you for all of the valuable information.

[@crimsonslims5605]

I know you guys have talked about it before, but I also live in a state with hot summers and cold winters, and I have a Russian and a leopard. I’d love to hear updated information about how their care ought to change throughout the seasons

[@diana-eg8rm]

Thank you ❤❤❤

[@trinitybridges4859]

Thank you so much.. if i have snow in winter I just co.pletly bring them in i assume.. what is the lowest temp they should be exposed too?. Thank you.. also the purple lights do i use them at all?

[@KenobitheTortoise]

I find all your videos really useful and especially this one as a first time tortoise owner. I’ve used this strategy for my little Russian tortoise. At what size would you move a tortoise out of this tub?

[@debbeasher-k4764]

I wish we knew all this when we were kids. Our baby turtles would’ve lived.🎉😮🎉❤😊

[@MotherTruckinReptiles]

I have a leopard tortoise born in either March or Feb, I've been keeping it outdoors for 6 months and it seems to be doing great! Excellent growth, lots of activity, healthy appetite, etc. I'm in central NC, when should I bring it indoors for winter?? Do you still use a heat source, or will ambient home temps be okay?

[@mrbodo69]

Please cover the outdoor setup. Where i live is similar in climate to NJ. Would love to keep them outdoors

[@galaxystudious]

For my Russian tortoise, can I use place sand and coconut core the same substrate I use for my beer dragon

[@yolandavestal3994]

My great grandson has been gifted a Russian tortoise now it's slowly coming up to me I would like to know how best to take care of it I have a feeling of how to do it by watching your videos but I'd like to know specifically how to take care of him and unfortunately it's got to be today

[@บางสิ่งบางอย่างที่ลึกซึ้ง]

ChatGPT and Google are ur friend

[@22jacobhilton]

How do you keep the moisture level up at the 80% if you keep the lid off during the day, unlike the last baby video you had

[@cherylross8812]

do you have a video to instruck building an outdoor enclosure....I live near Pensacola, FL

[@ericafelver3587]

Really appreciate all the info. I have my baby sulcata in the closet tote setup from your previous video. I'm getting ready to move him to a larger tote, like the one in this video, and I'm trying to select lighting. Are the temps you give in this video still accurate for my baby sulcata? I'm looking at the strip uvb lighting, and worried that the heat lamp I have (the double light in your previous video) may not keep the tote warm enough for him? My house is generally between 68 and 72 degrees, and I do turn all the lights off at bedtime. I would really love any guidance you can offer. Morty is my emotional support animal 😂 watching him wander around and eat when I take him outside takes away all the stress of my work day, but it's going to be winter soon, so I need to give him a little more room to move around inside.

[@jennyho3035]

Hello! Love your channel and I've learned so much from your videos. My baby black greek tortoise is really small. He's about 3 months old and his carapace measures about 5 cm lengthwise. I have asked the staff at local pet stores how old their tortoises are and they're all younger but larger. I'm sure variances in sizes are normal in any species, but he also only eats fresh vegetables. He refuses to eat any kind of pellet form food - Mazuri, Zoo Med.. etc. I'm worried he isn't getting enough nutrients to grow. Based on your experience, should I be concerned about his size at this age? Thank you so much in advance. ❤

[@johnnyvelasco6396]

Should I buy a reptile humidifier ? One side stays at 80 the other stays at 60 . 90 basking 80 cool side