Garden State Tortoise is Moving 400 Pounds of Tortoises!

#tortoise #gardenstatetortoise #turtle
The summer has come and gone and here we are again facing another winter! While many of the tortoise species we keep at Garden State Tortoise can hibernate outdoors, there are plenty that can’t. These more exotic, tropical or even arid dwelling reptiles cannot handle the cold temperatures we will surely get and conditions are about to plummet in just 24 hours! We need to work fast to bring in our giant tortoises and others. This means we need to have our indoor enclosures ready to house beasts like Aldabra, Galapagos, leopard, radiated tortoises and more. The pressure is on but we have to do it for their sake. See how we house our big tortoises inside for the winter!
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Who is Garden State Tortoise?
However you made it here, thank you and welcome to Garden State Tortoise. Garden State Tortoise is home to hundreds of animals from all around the world. We are a family dedicated to adventure, conservation of wildlife, and all things nature. We are a reptile rescue and breeding facility for more than ten years, offering refuge to those who need it, and working everyday to protect the beautiful world of reptiles in any way we can. Here on our KZbin channel you will be able to join us on our animal adventures while learning how to care for, protect, properly identify, feed and even breed many species of turtle, tortoise, snake and lizard. We even work with frogs and salamanders! We hope you enjoy our videos and help us share them with the world so we can continue to educate people of all ages about herpetology.
Chris and Casey Leone

[@GardenStateTortoise]

How do you house your bigger reptiles for the winter? Share what has worked for you! 🐢🐍 🦎

[@teddyballgame192]

Wouldn't a radiating heat panel be better for the hide? Aren't you afraid of the heat bulb blowing out over the dry hay and cause a fire?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

@@teddyballgame192Just like anything there are mixed reviews with radiating heat panels. Also, heat for tortoises should always come from directly above as would be the case with the sun. Simply put, this has been our method for decades and it just works well for us. As for bulbs bursting, it happens on the occasion but using the right fixtures helps prevent accidents.

[@imanimannami]

Fortunately living in Indonesia means no winter errands, so I never had a story on how to keep them warm. But i’m kinda curious, how can you prevent “attack” or any kind of bully inside there? Because we know sulcatas sometimes shows their attitude. Thanks in advance for your reply!

[@aprilpotter3054]

That's why I named mine Hephaestus.😅

[@sarabi9961]

Loved this video! So much work goes into caring for these beautiful animals! How do find any spare time? LOL, I’m pretty certain I saw you and your family at the zoo today. I was thinking of saying hi but I figured the last thing you needed was to talk to a GST groupie when trying to spend quality family time!

[@highgeneralkage2748]

Tortoises: the armored vehicles of the natural world.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

💪🏻🐢

[@SJ1993Q]

What a great way to describe tortoises 😊❤

[@jeanninelockridge5235]

I love the shells on the Sulcata Tortoises. I probably spelled that wrong. So great you get the moral support from your dogs as you work❤ Everything looks comfy cozy for those guys. Great job!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Nope you nailed it!

[@chanterelle483]

It's such a cool animal. Its big scales are like some kind of dragon!

[@coffeegirl6854]

Yes! It looks like everyone will have a safe and cozy winter.♥️

[@wildcreatureswny]

Being over in Western New York our tortoises only get a few months or so of decent enough weather to be out. Most of our aquatic turtles can usually be out from late April/early May up until October depending on the weather. We have a couple large rooms we move all of the turtles and tortoises into during our long winter months. We use a lot of stock tanks and wooden boxes to house most of them. Great video as always! Keep up the great work Chris and Casey!🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome and thanks for sharing!

[@jenpink4298]

Lol The look on your face when you said this isn’t gonna work😂 This was so interesting, thank you for sharing what you do! And thank you for doing what you do! My back hurts just watching you move those tortoises around😂❤

[@SweetNaz78]

We have a "Golden" Greek and she is still small at 4 1/2" so she's inside all the time. We live in California and our winters don't get too cold, but when she gets much bigger she'll be inside the house and we'll set up a place for her in the house. Thank you for all that you guys do for all these beautiful creatures and the sharing of everything is awesome. ❤❤❤

[@loriw2661]

What a great winter home your tortoises have. Great video, as usual!🐢❤️🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori! 😊

[@nataliesreptiles]

Definitely taking notes for the future. Right now my red-foot is a baby, and will be able to be housed in a commercial display enclosure. But eventually I want to give her an outdoor enclosure for the summer. And I know once she's full grown, we'll need a winter plan in place for the cold Michigan winters.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome 👏🏻

[@user-ud9ll5wp9b]

When I saw you with a banana, my sulcata would've sprouted wings to get to you. 😅 Awesome workout,like joining the tortoise gym. I'm learning so much,thank you❣️

[@TheNakia8DeAndreaPriddy]

I live down here in Texas~~basically north central west Texas and even I have to move my tortoises indoors for winter. April to Oct is usually all the fun they get outside time which means mine came in for winter last week just before we had our first 30 degree temps start coming in. And of course being Texas we have warm days and even hot days throughout the winter, but not long enough to keep the torties out in it. Right now mine are in a spare room with a big wooden doghouse for their hide warmed with an 18"X18" Kane heater attached to the interior of the roof which lifts open for ease of cleaning the hay I added inside. Plus basking lamps in 2 areas for them to enjoy a little "fake" sun. I have 3 leopards & 2 aldabra tortoises in this area. 2 of the leopards and the Aldabras are still fairly small, 5-7" hatchlings One leopard is 10" long and 7 rys old.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Very similar to here. Can he 70F on Christmas and then 16F two days later. Thanks for sharing!

[@KarIiah]

I had a not so great start of the week, but seeing happy tortoises never fails to make me smile.

[@myrubycountry2233]

Its very wet and cold in the UK however my husband installed under floor heating and then tiled the floor so they stay lovely and warm whatever the weather outside plus with the tiled floor its easy to clean the hay and poop out. they come into there house and go into the garden as they please. love your videos guys xxx

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! We’re coming to the UK this spring by the way. 😎

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

New subscriber here! I’m so glad I found your channel. The giant Aldabra tortoises at the Melbourne Zoo here in Australia where I’m from were by far the favourite exhibit of my youngest nephew Davey. I’ve never seen him sit so quietly and listen so attentively to the keeper. For a 5 year old, this is no easy feat. He sat quiet as a mouse and hung onto every word. About where they came from, how old they were, and how they were cared for. Their names are little John, Wilbur and Jean. All ages between 60 and 110 years! You can imagine his delight when one lumbered toward the small fence line where he was sitting quietly. He especially enjoyed the lesson about their foot care. Where they learned to associate some of their favourite treats with a red target. They then lift their feet and legs so the keepers can inspect for any excess dryness and other ailments. I look forward to sharing your fantastic channel with him when I next see him. It was great that you explained why you were taking all the steps to make their housing like you were. At least I’ve been to NJ a couple of times so I’ll be able to explain to him whereabouts in the US your located. Thanks for a fantastic video. ❤🇦🇺🐢

[@saraanderson6615]

I love learning about tortoises and turtles 🙂 Can tell you really care about all your animals. If I could have one I would love to have one, but since I can’t I enjoy watching you and your animals.

[@robinheater1817]

Mickey wasn’t sure about that. She saw a better snack. I just love them all. Thank you, for sharing them ❤

[@markcamp1]

What a huge improvement in video, quality and editing! This is an outstanding little short film! Well done!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

So much work for such lovely critters!!! That's what guardians do! And thank you for that!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🙏🏻

[@PegiBruno]

Me, who could never afford an outside reptile in their climate: puts on glasses and takes all the notes still 🤓

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣🙏🏻

[@carlosrodgers2474]

Hey, pre planning is way better than no or late planning.

[@judybonner8682]

I love your passion for the beautiful creatures. I look forward to learning more about them.

[@coffeegirl6854]

Me too! Isn't it great?? I have loved animals for a long time now. But I never knew much about the turtle family. I love getting to see how really attentive they are! I have really appreciated getting to learn about these sweet hearts. ♥️🤗

[@swetlandtortoises6152]

We live in Michigan and have big pens in the basement for the sulcatas. Works great

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That’s how we did it in our old place. 👍🏻

[@swetlandtortoises6152]

@@GardenStateTortoisemy goal is a reptile shed someday 🤞🏻

[@chezmoi42]

I'm trying to picture taking a biiiig tortoise up and down stairs.

[@swetlandtortoises6152]

@@chezmoi42I don’t have many stairs so it’s not an issue

[@chezmoi42]

@@swetlandtortoises6152 Glad to hear that.

[@beatricetreadwell5785]

Whenever I have to transport my tortoise ( an eastern Herman’s) in the car, she poops like crazy! I’m amazed you didn’t have a car full of sulcata poop!!! 😂👍

[@AabluedragonAH]

Living in Hawaii, our winters only get down to the 60s unless we’re on one of the mountains. To escape wind chill, I move my eastern box turtle into the warmest/most insulated bedroom where someone can keep an eye on her.

[@TheLawlessangel7176]

I live in Tampa,FL not really freezing frigid temps we have seen a couple nights of 30s and 40s my sulcata has a burrow he comess in the house when it's under 50 degrees,my eastern ornate box turtle lives in a garden but comes inside when it's under 70 degrees,my red eared slider has a heater in her pond but comes in if it's under 50 degrees,my mud turtle already lives inside and so does my 4 month old redfoot...and there you have it,the beauty of living in Florida!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for sharing! We keep many species that require a decent winter for long term health so moving to Florida wouldn’t work. We sure love to visit though!

[@ArtThatElevatesTheSoul]

love your videos. Highlight of my Sundays! You say your tortoises need exercise, well you're also the one that is getting a lot tending to their needs. Fortunately I have only a small box turtle. But I also make him "reach for his food". Sure I could throw some in his box but instead I take him out and show it to him and hold it high. Fun for both him and me!

[@amandamayfield2102]

I live in northern Utah and use a 8x4x6.5 grow tent with lots of live plants for my 2 Redfoot tortoise adults for winter. Takes up a lot of room but its what's best for them. ❤️

[@Roukos_Rks]

tortoises are like little tanks😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣

[@carschmn]

Kenan just dumps his tortoises about that size into a plastic wheeled tub and wheels them around. Your dogs are so helpful!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣

[@jesseawenus1067]

Such intricate videography with the drone footage. So impressive.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for noticing!

[@Ursula-Sue14]

My 23 year old red eared slider is pre hibernating under a dog bed pillow.

[@Silkytoaster]

Is she indoors under the pillow or outside ?

[@Ursula-Sue14]

@@Silkytoaster Indoor house turtle. The older she gets the more interesting she is. She has a daily routine, becomes more lively if there are visitors, luvs dogs, especially if someone visits with a dog. I never could have imagined how interesting of a pet she is.

[@emanuelvrtaric5319]

I simply prepare a blanket for my turtle, there she sleeps trough the winter, and resurfaces when she is hungry. Which is very rarely in the winter time😊

[@Wisepati]

Wow, that is quite the undertaking. I think that actually looked like straw rather than hey and straw is a better choice because he can have all sorts of weeds in it. It looks like it’s going to be quite the project to keep all of that clean as well. Nicely done.

[@maggieb369]

Beautiful creatures 😊

[@bkm2797]

Chris you always do a great job to be sure everyone is happy and healthy. I was thinking you might want to look into a wagon (remember Radioflyer wagons?), an extra wide model so you can take the tortoises across the lawn easily and into the Winter or Spring enclosures, just a suggestion. Thanks for taking us along.

[@timmywood9677]

I’ve seen Kenan use a wheelbarrow to move his giant tortoises. So cool you have all those reptiles I only own a Australian shepherd dog

[@katlady567]

Bless you for taking such wonderful care of these precious animals. ❤️

[@RebeccaYouhoo]

Hi Cris and Casey, Its been several months since I've been on the computer Been on a computer break down for a long=g time Glad to be back really enjoy your context. My CBTs are doing great from you I can't thank you enough.

[@corinne9497]

Thank you for this video!! 💚 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for watching!

[@tamarrajames3590]

Well Chris, you definitely got your workout today. That room is going to work great for the tortoises on holiday to escape the cold. Will you put any tall plants in there? I love that you are always educating us as you go about your work…thanks.🖤🇨🇦

[@YouLookism]

Mickeyyyy, love her so much 🤗🐢

[@chezmoi42]

Doesn't she have beautiful eyes? Such a charmer.

[@chrisbaker7302]

You'll need a forklift when the Galapagos and Aldabra get really big. That or lots of men to lift. Truly a labor of love. Great video. Godless.

[@chrisbaker7302]

GODBLESS 😊

[@AJen912]

Mickey is the chillest tortoise ever lol!! I love how she is just so trusting!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣 she’s great!

[@emr2425introibo]

You need a push cart like Kamp Keenan has to move his big tortoises.

[@alc7020]

You need a turtle train to move the gang indoors. Each one can have a dolly to ride in.

[@coffeegirl6854]

Great video. Great music too😊

[@pibly7784]

Yes !

[@kathymacomber5115]

You had a lot of help🤗

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

I think the rustic barn type look is perfect. It would be weird and unsuitable if what they lived in looked like some sort of standard room in someone's home.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@brandisnyder9765]

My back hurts just watching you!!

[@tonymonahan1185]

Great episode!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Tony!

[@rajanikumari3672]

Dang, who needs the gym after that workout. My back and arms are sore from watching.💪🏼🐢

[@carolhaggard700]

Love watching your videos

[@Ramsundar121]

I really love tortoise and you know very well, how to keep it tortoise 🐢 and thank you very much for wonderful video 🙏🏻

[@Sweetheart_Silkies]

The tortoises at 7:43 are stunning! What are they? Great work, by the way! Your enclosures look like paradise for these guys! They are lucky to have you!

[@linda-louiseanthony9802]

I think these ones are the radiated tortoises. But I’m no expert.

[@CollaateraL]

Thank you for all you do

[@beth8095]

Just wanted to let you know that Kenan uses a wheelbarrow to move his Sulcaltas

[@nutmeggs]

I think you need a little wagon with a foldup ramp! Lol

[@carlosrodgers2474]

At least you're working on your quads. Also, Mickie is a lovely gal.

[@pegedey1291]

Bet you liked all the "supervisors eyes" helping you🐊🐢🦎❤ i learn so much from you.

[@thedirtprincess3293]

I think i would have to make a low wagon out of a piano dolly.

[@Chrissy85308]

I am learning so much from your channel. Thanks!

[@MarcelinolovesMusic]

Hello! I love your Vids! I was wondering if you could give me a recommendation of which tortoise to get. So, I live in a small apartment in Miami, Florida, and I’m planning on getting a tortoise. The only problem is I don’t know which one to get. Besides that, I love your vids! The tortoises are so cute!! ❤❤

[@Barosunflower]

He has videos out on tortoises best and worst pet. Look in history

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Definitely check out our video the best pet tortoise

[@MarcelinolovesMusic]

Alright, Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@mercedessegovia2369]

My husband made us something to keep them inside the winter this season. Something like a table with sides all around and some wood across for our heat lamps.

[@Ursula-Sue14]

I❤TURTLES 🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🐢

[@PK-oy4fe]

What about using a large garden cart! The side folds.down for easier loading?😇❤️🐢🐢🐢

[@Calamity_Jen85]

Yep it’s getting time to hunker down 🥰 There is another plus sized snapping turtle being shared on social media that needs help finding an experienced family to care for it. I hope they were able to get in contact with you guys for a referral or guidance, since you guys are going through it with Unit. This one is a super portly fellow just like him. 😅

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We’re on it!

[@Calamity_Jen85]

@@GardenStateTortoise awesome! The poor guy has been on my mind since I saw it posted in the herp group, and hearing this I’m so relieved! You guys really are the best and are so very appreciated 🩶🩶🩶

[@anitaphillips6647]

Y'all are just awesome

[@ShortysSlots]

Awesome video. Only the safest vehicles to transport them lol #TeamSubaru

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha 🤣

[@SaltyApple435]

AAAAAUUEEGHHHHHHH SO MANY TORTOISES!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

😎

[@jessecunningham9924]

While I love all the tortoises, I especially love Mickey. What a pretty girl!

[@simajayaredevil]

Hi Chris, what is underneath the gravel and sand inside the reptile room? Is it the soil from the ground? Is it concrete? How do you maintain the cleanliness with all the feces?

[@kelleyklein9243]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@Sook995]

So cute❤

[@charliethetortoisebrzeczkowski]

Love love your innovation using wood you already have. The floor gets really cold so I have heating blankets underneath the pads. When he gets warm he sits outside his hut 😊. I try to keep the cold corners not too cold or he'll get too cold😊

[@Iris_Germany]

Another great and interesting video, thank you! 😊 Love ❤ and greetings from Germany

[@sarabird3348]

Fortunately for me I am in southern California! I would say what is winter...but I used to have a heat lamp installed in my potting shed with hay under the bench. My sulcata would stay all winter. However....he found my rabbit had made a burrow in the back yard under my father's ATV( he never moves it,lol) upon her passing( the rabbit) my tortoise moved right in! Remodeled to he liking and stays year round! Takes himself to bed everyday in spring and summer. By November and December I see him on days over 70. Otherwise....I throw food down the entrance once a week or so. Nature knows best!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for sharing, So Cal is great for some species but certainly isn’t for many. Almost half the species we breed here would actually be very hard to maintain by you. 🐢🐢🐢

[@sarabird3348]

@GardenStateTortoise absolutely they would! Not enough forest, stream etc. They would be kept in enclosure environments not nearly as beneficial as your outdoor settings.

[@Rubenooh8]

Same for me, my desert tortoise stays out year round and burrows it self during winter and comes out spring time. I this this last winter was our coldest/rainiest in many years though so I was a little nervous 😅

[@sarabird3348]

@@Rubenooh8 Exactly! I was quite concerned! But....he was fine

[@gibbnasta]

You need a UTV brother 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣

[@piermontadvisors4218]

Outstanding 🎉

[@user-kx3sm4pe7j]

i love garden state tortoise🐢😍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

😍

[@kelleyrancher]

Tortoises the original campers

[@wardrobelion]

Seems like a wagon may work too since it has sides. Just lure her in and lift the gate. You could even pull it with a side by side or such😊 if you have access to them. The suv worked well but very high to lift her. I’d probably pull the cart/wagon behind the subsonic I didn’t have to lift her…

[@chezmoi42]

That was my first thought: "What, no Radio Flyer?" But srsly, there are a lot of choices in heavy-duty wagons that carry a few hundred pounds.

[@garyh4458]

I wish I could be friends with those turtles.

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

In the north, we house our Hermanns in a large u shaped tortoise table. It houses 7 adults each section is 3 ft wide +6ft long. They only use two sections with the Acadia Al wanderer. in summer they go outside in a very large enclosure.

[@GamesJames]

Gotta start squatting down when you pick up these big turtles man. I saw an arched back every time you picked up that first huge turtle. That’s asking to destroy your back. Drop your butt down and then just stand up using only your legs.

[@erikadowdy2382]

Beautiful Iguanas also😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! 🦎🦎

[@turtle9727]

You should build a railroad from the enclosures to your indoor facility and have several wagons on it, so all the tortoises can be transported in one train ride. 😂

[@sarabi9961]

Oops! At first I accidentally put my comment in with the replies! I’m amazed at what’s involved with caring for these beautiful animals! How do you find any spare time? LOL, I’m quite certain I saw you and your family at the zoo today! I was going to say hi but I figured the last thing you needed to do was to talk to a GST groupie while trying to enjoy family time!

[@erichtomanek4739]

In regards to moving the big and many smaller tortoises, is it feasible to construct a "go-cart" type vehicle? It could be 2 or 3 feet wide and 3 or 4 feet long. 4 or 6 big wheels and say 5 inches off the ground. A long and sturdy handle for you to push or pull the cart. Your car left noticeable compaction on the lawn. You can carry the tortoises onto it or entice them up a ramp. You could call it the "TortoiseMobile"!

[@TealCheetah]

Hay and straw are very different substances, and straw is what you want for dry bedding.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That’s only true when dealing with moist or damp environments which is not the case in this situation. Thanks anyway. 👍🏻

[@pmanzano4474]

Will you also be putting Unit in that building? Or, is he able to stay outdoors through the winter?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He’s on the other side for now but we may move him over.

[@BrooklynHudson]

You need a flat rolling cart with a seatbelt strap.

[@colormeinfluenced6997]

Right up until you backed the car up to load up the tortoises, I thought you were going to have some kind of a modified wagon or a trailer (with a ramp for self-loading) pulled by a riding lawnmower/golf cart to ferry the tortoises back and forth!! You both did a great job wrangling the kids into the barn. Side question: how often do the iguanas shed?

[@sassiebrat]

Do these beautiful creations make sounds?

[@johndavidwolf4239]

Didn't see the article on various substrates like sand and gravel that tortoises need from the Tortoise Trust that you mentioned.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Whoops sorry! Here it is: www.tortoisetrust.com/post/the-tortoise-myth-busters-episode-2?fbclid=IwAR0pSz87sAd81DsLVLkzsm4zJJmdwEU_KclTPkVW783on_caIgjjmY8_r-k_aem_AXyRzDB_dkyqpyZfNlVQD95l7hpN2GV1zcXP9Qv0cMhMKH12RC_YEF9dJV9s0v07GFw&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

[@biffmacallan]

I got 2 questions: The first: how do you heat or keep the ground warm under the gravel? The second: you can keep safely sulcatas with aldabras and radiated together for several month? Thank you for your answer!!

[@Silkytoaster]

Thanks for asking those questions - I was wondering the same thing . About keeping the ground warm and mixing those different size tortoises .

[@peggydetmers6911]

Do you have a cement floor under the gravel to prevent the infamous digging of tunnels that sulfates are known for?

[@lauraokelly2644]

Love the aerial footage and would like to see a little longer version of that. It's neat to see your place from that vantage point. On another note: you are going to destroy your back lifting like that. It would be very sad if you could no longer take care of these beautiful creatures because you crippled yourself. Please take care and thank you for all you do.

[@MFoster392]

Do different types of torts fight with each other if they're in the same area, not separated :-)

[@chiushuenpak4296]

how's our beloved Otis?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Fantastic!

[@moun10hikes59]

Where did you get that awesome hat?

[@summerkagan6049]

You might want to get one of those garden carts with mesh sides and rubber wheels. It'd save some wear and tear on your back for moving your big ones.

[@patriot4usa]

Tortoises are so cool. I have desert tortoise.

[@drb8197]

Should the door open outwards so if the tortoises are blocking the door you can get in easier?