BEST Juvenile TORTOISE HABITAT! (Easy & Beautiful!)

#tortoisecare #babytortoise #gardenstatetortoise
LINK & CODE TO PURCHASE:
aivituvin.com/...
USE THIS CODE FOR A 5% DISCOUNT: GST5
There are many options on the market today to properly house tortoises and other reptile species and it often causes conflict for keepers. There are pros and cons to all of them, of course, but in this video we review a very simple, but effective habitat, specifically designed to accommodate tortoises. If anything, it's just another option for you to consider. Juvenile leopard, radiated, star, red foot, Russian, sulcata, Galapagos, Aldabra, Hermann's, Greek and hingeback tortoises can all thrive in this attractive, easy-to-build habitat and some tortoise species like the Egyptian tortoise, can live in it all their lives! Reptile education begins with familiarizing yourself with an animal's needs and that is best done by studying its ecology in nature, as well as its wild habitats. Even with something as simple as the Aivituvin tortoise house, you can create a beautiful, naturalistic environment for a wide variety of reptile species.
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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]

Friends! We’re officially on PATREON. Please consider becoming a patron so you can directly help support the animals of GST! Use this link: www.patreon.com/gardenstatetortoise As always, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 🙏🏻 Chris and Casey

[@lorrainemunoa791]

That swiveling light hanger is a game changer! Most annoying thing about that kind of light is how it's always in the way of care or viewing- you and these guys just fixed this! If i EVER need this kind of enclosure I know which one I am getting.

[@alliseuss1555]

These enclosure builds are so fun. I can't wait until my little guy is old enough to graduate out of his tub into something like this. I'd love to see you do a video specifically on the life stages of tortoises (hatchling, juvenile, adult, etc.) and the care requirements unique to each stage.

[@ashleaberry2252]

How old do they have to be before you can move the baby tortoise out of the tub x

[@raebsen]

I feel I'm too old to get a tortoise (36) yet I'm here watching enclosure videos 🤣 I love this channel!

[@quix66hiya22]

Yikes, I’m 56 and hoping for one soon. My 12 year old cousin can take over after I’m dead, I guess. She wanted one after I took one to visit her house.

[@32446]

I'm 46 and just got my first one a few months ago. My son will take over his care once I am gone. My tortoise is the best thing I have ever bought, he's brilliant!

[@mustarieastwood3796]

I’m 63 and 3 months ago I got 2 Indian star tortoises. My daughters will take over if I’m gone, so don’t hold back if you want one as long as you’ve got someone to take over. Enjoy having a wonderful pet with great character. ❤

[@jackiefranklin-n7u]

Check with children to pass it down

[@jackiefranklin-n7u]

My grandson will take over. I'm 75

[@davidvento5481]

That was an absolutely brilliant solution for the lighting issue. 👍🏻 As suggested a few (black) zip-ties to secure the wire to the rod would work well. Covering the screen top with a piece of plexiglass cut to fit (with a few holes for oxygen exchange) might be sufficient to maintain the moist microclimate new hatchlings require. A humidity/temp “gun” ($10. @ Home Depot) or other accurate humidity gauge is also necessary. Cedar was an excellent choice for the enclosure as it repels unwanted insect pests and molds/mildews. Every grandmother I’ve known has had at least one cedar chest in which to store natural materials (woolens, cottons, silks, etc.) and I personally love the cedar scent!

[@nellnic1629]

Can’t wait for the baby enclosure video👍🏼👍🏼

[@MonicaPrice-o3c]

I have an Eastern Box turtle who is sooooo happy now because of you!!

[@jimfoster7679]

Great video as always, Chris. I love the interaction between you and Aivituvin. I bought a Zoomed tortoise house almost ten years ago and quickly realized it needed some upgrades. I cut out a window and covered it with plexiglass,then covered the plywood bottom with vinyl floor tiles and sealed the seams with fish tank clear silicone sealant (that only lasted for a couple of years before the urine and moisture got through). It served the purpose I needed it for (I do occasional public reptile shows, where lots of little ones want to peer in at the animals without having to ask their parents to pick them up). I could have used something like this years ago. Keep up the great work, both GST and Aivituvin!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow Jim! Great work on modifying that enclosure. Thanks so much for watching the video and for such kind words.

[@CinderQ]

I've not yet seen any videos on cleaning out the enclosures and how often that has to happen. Hmmmm. is it hard. do you have to change everything out? does it get stinky? Thought of this when you mentioned the urine soaking throught the bottom of your Zoomed house.

[@twoturtletom]

Great Video Chris and Casey. Thank you for continuing to emphasize how important hydration and relative humidity are for hatchling tortoises!

[@makaylasmenagerie]

I actually used this one for my hatchling hermanns tortoise and had great success! I taped aluminum foil to the top of the screen to hold in humidity during the day. I misted the substrate daily, and then added more water and flipped it once a week. I used a mix of organic topsoil and coconut coir and it held the humidity really well!

[@tc1203]

Very nice enclosure option. I would love to see a video on the indoor enclosure setup your large radiated tortoise laid its eggs in. Thank you.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks so much for watching. We’ll be sure to cover more of them in future videos!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hey everyone! I hope you found this video useful and for how to house little baby tortoises correctly, use this other video at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHiXZ3hsgNWlqqs

[@corinnechristian7752]

Hi I hear so many conflicting things .I have a 10month old horsefield tortoise I been told it's not safe to put hay or straw in her tortoise table, please can u clear this up4me ,is it safe ,I want to so it's more cosy when she wants to hide,she's always trying to hide under her water dish.i have a table similar 2urs only larger ,

[@robinr5337]

Glad to see those improvements! Gotta love a company that listens to it's users.

[@DhairyaPandya27]

Been stressed out for exam tomorrow, thanks for making my day better!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

You made OUR day better with this comment! Happy Sunday! ❤️👍🏻 and thanks for watching!

[@MousekeDana]

I just got that same enclosure for my box turtle. He loves it .

[@angelcarrion8607]

I bought one of these enclosures after watching your original review video last year for my adult female box turtle (strictly as a winter home since this is my first winter with her & I wasn’t fully prepared to let her hibernate - rest of the year she’s in a 12x12 foot outdoor enclosure which she’ll be hibernating in next winter). That new light fixture is definitely a lot better!

[@PK-oy4fe]

❤️ the new light holder! Easier and safer for carers and creatures! 😇❤️

[@-cMc-]

New and improved tortoise house yes 🙌 I'm so excited box turtle

[@chrisbaker7302]

Dude, do you know how blessed you are to have such a cool awesome job? I'm jealous. Another great video thanks.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

thank you so much! It really is a blessing and thank you so much for watching!

[@matthewpetersen4417]

Bought two of these but from a different maker, 7 ft long 37" wide. Its ginormous. For my Russian tort family when it's too cold. They also my get a add on of the old 4x5 pen I used, so They can Have an open top area too, plus its set up for my mercury vapor bulbs perfectly.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That’s sounds nice! Just keep in mind for long term health, Russian tortoises really should be exposed to some kind of winter, because cold temperatures, even absolutely frigid ones are important for their instinctual triggers. Frigid winters and hot summers mimic their natural range.

[@mitsuki4098]

LOL. The baby radiated torts were trying to escape by running in the air. "Run, forrest, Run!" Love the new upgrades! I also love the fact that there are so few plastic parts, besides the handy tray. Less breakage possibilities. I personally don't mind that the lighting arm doesn't have cord holders as it leaves more options like wrapping the cord around, or ties of your choice (zip ties, wire, electric tape, cord clips, twist ties that come with your cord in the box-economical/reusing/recycling, etc.)

[@gerrinickolson2314]

I have the old model as well and have the same issue with the lighting. This is great, wish I had that now lol.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

The new update to this enclosure is definitely a step up! Thanks for watching!

[@melissadanielle629]

She's a beautiful creature

[@jaspermetzloff8351]

I might keep this enclosure in mind if i want to get some button quails, i think it’d work well for them too

[@loriw2661]

Radiated’s are my favorite! 🐢 The slo-mo tool grab was a nice touch!!❤️🐢❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you😆 👍🏻

[@RT-zw1xl]

The stand is great! Lights are very secure for sure!

[@aprilbolivar4719]

I bought two for our Hermann’s and can’t wait to set them up!

[@stephenweaver4445]

Read your reply to commenter regarding cold temps for Russian tortoises ( Hermann’ s too for that matter). Love to see a future video about captive brumation; how far north is safe, outside vs. refrigerator brumation , when to start and stop and judging the animal’s health for impending brumation. Look forward to your videos. As always, informative, succinct and entertaining!

[@DaveSayz]

Order one of these after I saw your original video. Great enclosure!

[@janesoulharding8128]

I love that enclosure. I'm going to see where they deliver to xxx

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We love it too!

[@RoMBaKa27]

The Radiated Tortoises are so beautiful 🤙

[@ashleygetstattooed]

Thank you for doing these videos they’re always helpful ☺️

[@vanburnburn]

So cool! I hope to have a tortoise one day. Great video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 👏🏻

[@rachelkelley3266]

Mine just arrived 2 weeks early!! Can't wait to put a sweet baby in it 🐢🐢🐢

[@mariafletcher6603]

them little one's so dam cute. There adorable. Congrats. from 🇬🇧👍 an old cockney gal

[@daemonember]

Cable management Velcro straps would work on that cable as well and they are cheap

[@kattranger]

Love the video! Nice that the manufacturer took the time to listen to feedback. Why is cedar wood safe when cedar chips are not?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! The main component in the bedding is the oils. The scent is not bothersome to some animal species like reptiles. Because the animals are not coming in the kind of contact that they would be with cedar bedding, the wood simply serves as a safe aesthetically pleasing perimeter and it can even gif up well against outdoor weather.

[@mitsuki4098]

The chip particulates they can inhale is also a horrible factor

[@CliffTheAlien]

Anyone else watch these habitat videos and think, "I wonder what it would be like to live in there myself" or am I the only weird one

[@chrisbaker7302]

Nope, I do too

[@brianmccarthy5557]

You're both the weird ones. At least that's my tortoise's opinion. She's talking about an option to buy.

[@Sometallguy]

Every time I set up enclosures for my own animals, I try to imagine what it’d be like to live in there

[@joaomortay2707]

Lol 😆 alot of us do

[@stevennagle3432]

The world Is your personal habitat lol

[@donnaboyle669]

Awesome video, I wished you were around 20yrs ago, you have a pleasant voice, extremely knowledgeable and experienced in breeding. When I got interested in reptiles there wasn’t alot of information reptiles in captivity. There was part glass and mesh enclosure. They required to have quite a few heaters and and lights., and we’re heavy. Of course there’s been a lot of improvements, more understanding in the care of reptiles. I used to work in a reptile store. Luckily the owner was a breeder, he was conscientious, meticulous and honorable. I have few questions about the enclosure, why don’t you have a pull tray, easy to clean and sanitize, and the divider for the cave, the bottom is exposed to the substrate, won’t it eventually rot? I live in California. Anyway, thank you for making this video and all your other ones. Stay safe and healthy.

[@julierobertson148]

The enclosure looks really attractive and functional. Would adding a transparent but eventually removable solid insert on the wire mesh side make it suitable for hatchlings?

[@opentolerance]

Garden State Tortoise, I wish you were around when I was 7 and found a box turtle. That was 55 years ago. My local Humane Society (Canada) just received a 3 year old tortoise found roaming outside. I think it's a Hermann. The adoption fee will be $40, insane as they are $650 here! I've applied for adoption and I have spent all day watching your videos to educate myself. Thank you for the knowledge, you are living my dream job, yes you are blessed. Sadly, I think being in a wheelchair is going to make it difficult to routinely change out the substrate and keep the enclosure disinfected, any suggestions. My space may not be large enough for the tortoise enclosure. I do have a question though, with the large enclosure how do you keep up the humidity? With a in-plug mister/fogger or just use a plant mister to dampen the substrate?

[@juanito2533]

EXCELLENT 👍 I'm getting an Itch to possibly raise one or two of those little critters! 😂 😊 When they're Mature can they be Sent back into the Wilderness?

[@ValkyrKat1488]

If your tortoise doesn’t get very big could you keep them in this enclosure or should you move them into a bigger one?

[@kylegolinveaux8419]

Great video! So I know you said these radiateds were already a few years old. Can you do a video showing your hatchling tortoise enclosures? Like what they would live in before they can graduate to an enclosure like this? Thank you!

[@NeverTooLateForAchange]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

[@The_Fragrance_Dude]

Would you recommend this for an adult Golden Greek Tortoise? It was great seeing you and your wife at AnimalCon. Thanks for the info 🙏

[@gabmatth]

this same music (from the start of the video) is in the video game Plate Up and i was so confused at first from the sounds xD

[@patriciakaufmann2229]

Nice!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@freja905]

I think I’m going to order this for my baby leopard tortoise

[@cheyenneromero9949]

Chris, I was wondering if you think it’s possible for this same enclosure to be repurposed later into a coldframe for an outdoor enclosure once the tortoise is bigger. Let me know what you think. Thanks! PS our Marginated baby we got from you in September is doing great!!! ❤

[@nickyviolaguitar]

Hi! Im from Philadelp-hia but stay with my girlfriend in Jersey most of the time wondering if its possible to speak with you. Your set ups are very cool

[@saltcityreptileranch]

How do these compare to the zoomed tortoise house? I really like the esthetic of this especially with the functionality of the plexiglass and bottom tray

[@GardenStateTortoise]

They are very similar but for one the color in our opinion is nicer for our nature room, both the tray and plexiglass are very practical in helping to retain moisture. Plus the plexiglass allows you to view the animals without disturbing them. 👍🏻

[@saltcityreptileranch]

@Garden State Tortoise I may just have to make the switch. Great video Chris and Casey!

[@mikemyers7451]

Prob I have is my Russian tortoise likes to stand and claw and over time the plexiglass is so scratched up you can't see through it.

[@k3v3n]

I’m looking forward to the baby enclosure video

[@devonwiener910]

Can you do a video on using two kits? I’m going to start my tortoise in one kit and then expand it

[@simajayaredevil]

I always watch Kamp Keenan adding spagnum moss to have extra moisture and humidity in the enclosure

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That’s one thing you can do too as long as you stay on top of it because it can dry out fast 👍🏻

[@Ninang363]

Love your videos

[@GardenStateTortoise]

thank you and thank you for watching!!!

[@JosephsJungle8]

Can you make a video about hermanns vs Russian tortoises because I want my first tortoise but am split between the two

[@JosephsJungle8]

Like which is a better first tortoise rather than the differences

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Joseph! Your channel is incredible! WOW you know your stuff! We will absolutely cover that topic for you, we just have to wait until spring because they are all underground brumating at the moment! Thank for watching!

[@JosephsJungle8]

@@GardenStateTortoise oh my goodness thank you garden state tortoise 🐢 I love your videos I am 11 years old thank you lots Chris 🐢😊 thanks for taking the video idea into consideration🐢😊 thanks for complimenting my channel I love animals and tortoises are in my top 5 which are sloths parrots tortoises and fish and whales🦥🐤🐢🐳

[@elkielonnkvist8962]

Hi from the UK. What age/size do you consider a western Herman's to be a juvenile and not a hatchling any more? Thanks 👍

[@jenniferspence7092]

So I have a question. I have a very similar enclosure to this that I got second hand but it doesn't have a plastic tray for the bottom or anything. It is sealed wood though so I'm not worried about any water ruining it at all but I do notice my substrate is always super dry looking underneath. The top also dries out pretty fast so I find myself dumping water in (quite a bit of water) and mixing it into the substrate rather than just misting it. Do you have some suggestions for making it more humid? The guy I got it from mentioned he would lay a towel down and then dump the substrate on top which I'm hesitant to do because I would be worried about him burrowing and accidentally tangling himself in the towel and suffocating. Also, the substrate I've been using is those coco coir bricks that expand when you add water. Is it as simple as just mixing soil in with the coco coir or do you think that would even make a difference. I'm super jealous to see that this enclosure actually has a little built in arm thingy to prop the lid open if you need to while rearranging things or cleaning. I was thinking maybe I could just figure out how to add something like that to mine someday.

[@kamrulislam2632]

This is amazing. I have pet pythons and incubation is my favorite.

[@quix66hiya22]

Fantastic video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much!

[@accidentalawesomeness3412]

When you put the together does that work for the ones with legs?

[@janesoulharding8128]

Can you attach these together side by side instead of Length ways do you know xxx

[@irynndacs115]

hello, what is the best to put before putting cypress mulch top soil or sand? if sand, what kind?

[@chrisclaypool8932]

I bought this enclosure for a hopeful upcoming small russian tortoise purchase, I am able to keep the humidity in the hide section high enough, but want to know any tips on heating it.

[@12inmemphis]

Cedar chips/ mulch is a no go, what about Cypress Mulch? I see some big companies selling it as substrate for turtles/tortoises?

[@novaenergy2]

Have you ever had issues with the seams leaking between the wood? I'm surprised there isn't some kind of gasket that slots between the base. I imagine that's a non-issue, but something I was curious about.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good point! I haven’t experienced that with these yet, but that’s also because we’re not housing hatchlings in them that require so much moisture in the substrate.

[@aannddiland]

what is the sand to soil ratio that you use for a mojave desert tortoise?

[@nikitalakhani5106]

Hey! Do you have any research on the fact you stated that cedar wood is fine but cedar shavings are not? I have always been told/seen research that that untreated cedar and pine in general can release phenols that cause liver damage. Thanks so much!

[@ashleydidion3685]

At what age would you recommend moving an eastern hermann tortoise into this size of an enclosure?

[@reynag9555]

what type of lamp and bulb do you recommend for a juvenile hermanns? I've been trying to find one that is safe

[@rachaels8leggedwonders448]

I think I want to get two of these to combine for my red foot! Do I need to specify that I’m putting them together when I order to get the attachment pieces?

[@katze092]

Wonderful!

[@paulaallard7173]

What volume of sand to mix in with eco earth and cypress mulch?

[@hubertusk5018]

How long do you keep the basking light on in a day??

[@indigovera5134]

Question isnt that enclosure made out of cheddar wood? isnt it poisonous for tortoise?

[@Turtleboy4033]

Will what you did for the radiated’s work for red foots the some size.

[@ronalaturner4153]

Would this work for two Hermanns that are now 1 year old? I've had them in a plastic enclosure since they were hatchlings but it is definitely time for a change. I believe both are males and one is showing signs of trying to bully the other. Can they still live together if they have a bigger enclosure or should I separate them?

[@erick.9813]

At what age do you normally move them from a closed chamber to a juvenile habitat?

[@mirrorsu_animation]

Hi! I have a 20 year-old golden Greek tortie (20 cm) and an about 2-3 year old Greek tortie (15.5 cm), they don't behave aggressive toward each other, can I put them in the same enclosure like this but twice bigger? Thank you.

[@-cMc-]

The wood excellent choice not for bedding got it

[@virginiapellerin2269]

I was wondering if I live in an apartment could I raise a tortoise? Also I live in Canada. We have so many areas around where I live where we can't drive during turtle mating and hatching season it so cool to me

[@jumpjump785]

why hatchling Hermann is not suitable for this enclosure, is that because of humidity? they need more?

[@Massproduce201]

Cedar Mulch from Home Depot safe for tortoise bedding?

[@jhernx3]

Hi im new to tortoises why are Hermanns tortoise's not suitable for this set up?

[@jenniferatkinsreptileart]

What do you think about adult Indian Stars in a closed chamber with the exception of the warmer summer months when they'd be outside?

[@kellytaylor8980]

Great question, i'd love to know this too has mine and currently in a viv

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Adult Indian stars typically do better in open top enclosures with a humid hide. For one adult male you can marry two of these together but for a pair they would need something larger because most Indian females will grow beyond 8 inches. Closed chambers are perfect for hatchling Indian stars, but for adults in may be too humid.

[@kellytaylor8980]

@@GardenStateTortoise thank you! 🙂

[@jenniferatkinsreptileart]

Thanks so much! So would you make the transition around the size if your radiateds or larger? I hear so much about them having respiratory infections. I'd love to avoid that.

[@3Torts]

13:10 ...or they could make the holder to a proper size. I opted not to use the lamp holder that came with the enclosure. This is for smaller animals. The lamp holder is sized for a large enclosure.

[@DanteofLore1]

@Garden State Tortoise We just recently got two Russian Tortoises from a Pet Store. We currently have both of them in one of these same enclosures. We don't know age, but know its not a baby. With Russian Tortoises being a smaller breed, can they stay in here long term? Since it's two males, I think any way, Should I expand to two of these?

[@PenguinwithAgun464]

Is it ok if i put 5 to 8 old Hermann's Tortoise in there?

[@tcheid]

0:02 dude, she’s beautiful!

[@derek4641]

Sorry I want to know if the company only delivers to the US

[@Japnut]

With Western Hermann tortoises being small could an adult one live in this?

[@OggVorbis]

such lucky torts

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you and thanks for watching!!🙏🏻

[@chantalforget3571]

I live in Québec in Canada, is it possible to acquire one of your baby tortoises or turtles and how?

[@stevenlyle1960]

I have 2 box turtles 1 escaped captivity She is a 3 toed box turtle the other is a desert Box turtle and I bought her.I have had them Both 24 years they are my pride and joy. My question is can I email garden state tortoise for advise on rehoming

[@isikaaroy]

Please tell me what with their peeing? Cang change those set up n soils every day right? What about their peeing then ??😢

[@gabehawk8925]

What's the status with the Artemis?

[@kevinpoe8137]

Something I think is interesting about radiated tortoises is that despite being listed as critically endangered, apparently there’s over 6.3million of them 🤔

[@MonicaHolly143]

Is this enough for my Egyptian turtoise ?? Shes about 4 inches now and will probably max out at 4.5 inches

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes, but I would still recommend marrying two of them together

[@petercho8910]

Do you sell them after they hatch?