How to Hibernate Tortoises + Handling Unexpected Issues!

[@chezmoi42]

From one old lady to another, Athena, all my best wishes for a complete recovery and a long, happy continuation of your life. ❤🐢❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@heathermaybelleisland6007]

Oh no!! I really hope Athena responds to the antibiotics. Poor girl. You know she’s probably not feeling well either. 😢❤🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Really hoping she improves!

[@saraanderson6615]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@PikaRaichupikapika]

​@@GardenStateTortoise how is she doing now? Is there an update on her somewhere?

[@jeanconneely3602]

😢❤❤❤

[@cathy_p637]

It's so sad to see any reptile not feeling well because they don't show any recognizable signs of illness until they are too sick to eat or become dehydrated. Fortunately for them they are under your care, and you notice changes in them more quickly than the average person would. Hope all is well with both of them and that they recover quickly without any surgical intervention needed.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@pagandeva2000]

Any update?

[@mjgbabydragonlet]

It is a joy to see how care for your animals. It is important work you and your wife are doing at GST!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@AlleneSR]

I’m always impressed!

[@Calamity_Jen85]

Aww, love your heart Chris. Every bit the nervous and emotional dad, even though she’s old enough to be your parent multiple times over 🩶 Best wishes to Athena, you and the family. Please keep us posted!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

So true, thank you!

[@MaryAnnBelcher-McMahon]

Sometimes I can’t believe you are free on You tube. I love you tube. My family and I watch your videos, love your videos over and over. I show them to my grandsons. We truly enjoy them. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for everything and I especially hope Athena is ok .

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow thank you so much!!!!

[@thedirtprincess3293]

I am praying for Athena, that it is a simple infection, with no systemic or organ involvement. I have stood in the exam room with my cats, with that exact "cant think about anything else" expression and body language, or even my head down on the table when i knew it was likely to be bad. I've felt that too many times, and will feel it again. All my love and prayers to this special girl.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Ugh it’s so rough. Thank you.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

You are an amazing person!!

[@zybi5578]

praying for both Athena and Luigi, get well soon 🙏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@phionella7]

You have such an engaging way with your audience. I tend to adopt furry animals over shelled or scaley ones, but I find your channel entertaining and informative, balanced nicely. Thank you. 😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so so much ❤️

[@DarthGengarus]

It’s why I wanted one from Here vs a reptile expo. I knew the animals would be well taken care of. Not saying expos they wouldn’t be but I’ve seen his work and care. The little guy in my photo was born there.

[@rainywombatcherryblossom6240]

Very informative and I can see how much love and care you have for them

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I try ❤️

[@GlimpseInside]

Is there an update??? ❤ I've gotten emotionally invested binge watching your shows this week & I'd love to hear she's wonderful! ❤❤

[@BeverlyChu-oz3oy]

It's definitely a bit of a stressful time all around, but you're doing your best by them. I hope for all the best with Luigi and Athena.🤞🏼

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks a ton!

[@tamarrajames3590]

The care you take of all your animals is impeccable, you are a wonderful example for anyone that keeps one or more of these awesome creatures. I love that you are always teaching, and I really hope Athena comes through whatever she is dealing with.🖤🇨🇦

[@GardenStateTortoise]

You are so kind Tamarra, thank you 🙏🏻

[@brendaz9222]

Poor Athena, hope she heals soon You and your family are the best! So glad you care for all the Tortoises and turtles and all the other creatures and let us see your fabulous work!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so so much

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

In West Virginia in the spring you hear all the rustling of leaves as the wild turtles come up from their sleep! ❤ usually by structures, under deck stairs,mor the deck for the play house, where leaves gather they seem to love!

[@SnapperCorral-dc1xf]

Nice. I started thinking about winter for my snapping turtles back in July. I created a winter corral indoors for them to get exercise outside their tank.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That's a great idea!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Just a true scaley parent

[@SnapperCorral-dc1xf]

Not sure if I should be offended or not. But have a great Thanksgiving!@@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282

[@SnapperCorral-dc1xf]

We we're going to give away our small snow blower, but then I realized I needed the snow blower to create a path to the outside faucet that bypasses the water softener. Collecting fresh water daily is a chore. Rain or shine got to do it daily for the babies. Just like babies milk. Warm the tap water to the tank temp before adding the de-chlorinated water to the tank.

[@denisepacetti4559]

My prayers, love and hugs to Athena.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@spiercephotography]

I know it's for practical reasons and brumation that they're burying themselves), but I spent the hole time giggling at the idea of "turtle treasure hunts", where you know they're in there and need to find them, but have to rustle around to find them first! It's really fascinating how each turtle is different/needs different bedding and can handle the colder temps. Aside from snapping turtles and box turtles that I knew could handle the cold, I didn't know that other types of turtles from warmer climates could still stay outside in the winter. Sending healing vibes for Luigi and Athena!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣 thank you 🙏🏻

[@saraanderson6615]

It’s so great to see how you care about all your turtles and tortoises ❤ I hope Athena gets better🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@YouLookism]

awww poor Athena, I hope she recovers quickly and without surgery 😥💚🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same here!

[@MickaelEngel]

With all the tortoises that you have you still take care of them depending on the exact location they come from. I do have a Western Hermann myself and the fact you differenciate behaviour and enclosures depending if they come from the Var region in France shows how much you care for them. Love from France

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Mickael!

[@MFoster392]

Another great video, you guys are amazing :)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks so much!

[@linda-louiseanthony1979]

Sending all the positive healing vibes to Athena and Luigi ❤ from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Thank you for your service for these babies!?!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you for watching!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

​@@GardenStateTortoiseI can't help it, especially when I met Otis?!

[@jeffbaker634]

I love how you care so much for these animals. Your passion shines bright and these animals are in great hands. Thank you for caring so much and for going the extra mile to see that these beautiful creatures have a chance to live out their lives just like they would in nature.

[@dorothyvarga6251]

Oh my poor Athena, I hope she will respond to the antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatments. Keep us posted.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We will!

[@chrisbaker7302]

Hope ,prayers for Athena. Another informative, interesting video. Learn something new every video. Thanks. Wish you and Family a great Thanksgiving.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! You too!

[@32446]

I hope Athena is ok and it’s not too serious. She’s a gorgeous tortoise. Glad to see she’s still eating. 🤞🤞🤞

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same here and thank you 🙏🏻

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

This reminds me of one of the high quality education programs I would watch on PBS as a young person. I looove it.

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

It's a lot better than that schlock on cable TV, imo.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

This comment made our day!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Yeah!!!

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

​@@LukeMcGuireoidesit's correct! You guys know your job!!!

[@mollyseaton8107]

Sweet Athena, best wishes for a speedy recovery

[@kellilee7433]

These videos are so valuable to me. It helps me with my 2 year old eastern hermans tortoise

[@GardenStateTortoise]

So happy to know this. Thank you!

[@eannemarieweber5285]

The Love yall have for these guys really shows❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@robinheater1817]

Aww I hope you feel better, Athena ❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢🙏🏻

[@tanyanagorski8128]

Is there a update video ?

[@charliethetortoisebrzeczkowski]

I worry about Charlie during the winter now. He's pretty warm in his room. I think it's people!!!😢

[@PK-oy4fe]

As a nurse and a breeder....I've given plenty of subcutaneous fluids....but the Sq tissue in a totlrtoise is between the scute and skeletal structure....so is the fluid given Intramuscular? How long does it take to absorb? Hope everyone stays well and the weathers the winter! 😇❤️🙏🐢🐢🐢

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I do remember hearing that the injection was intra muscle.

[@PK-oy4fe]

@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282 thank you!

[@RebeccaYouhoo]

Hang in there Athena I'll be praying for you!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢❤️

[@debbeasher-k4764]

I hope she responds well to the treatment.

[@Iris_Germany]

Love ❤ and best wishes for Luigi and Athena from Germany

[@lindad1195]

Prayers for Athena!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢❤️

[@dakotahstr]

Your video just popped up and wow, in just one video i have learned so much!❤

[@crocodilelord2387]

Prayers for Athena 🙏

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢

[@Rayraywheelz]

Fingers crossed 🤞

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢

[@Rayraywheelz]

@@GardenStateTortoise please keep us updated on her I'm really starting to like turtles more and more after every new upload so at least keep me updated please rayray wheels Lukasik on fakebook 🙂 I'm in a wheelchair hence the wheels middle name

[@anununu2862]

Hi! Thanx for an interesting video! It got me wondering - what about this years babies? I have a brand new (born in august eastern greek tortoise) that weighs only 48 grams. Should it be sleeping in the winter of should I keep the lights on and keep feeding him?

[@fredrikoregard832]

Praying for the best for sweet Athena😥🙏❤️ Poor girl. Beside this, I have a short question about the tortites who where digging for hibernating. How do they breath underground with small amount of oxygen? When winter coming, can some tortorties like frogs survive and have some substances in their blood to unvoid that the bloodcells crystalize and takes damage? Just curious. I have two chinese box tortoties. ^^ Pray that all will get well for Athena😥🙏❤

[@staceybsbs]

Loved watching this.

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Love how you are using an insulin syringe since they get such a tiny amount.😊 that is such a microscopic dose, love it! You may want to (not with the insulin needle just the sub q fluids.) Change the needle after pulling the fluids as they can get burrs and are more painful, you will see a difference not every time but it does help.

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Why not take an X-ray to see if you see a foreign substance, ie nail, grass seed?)

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

❤ so much easier with my painted turtles, they go under their own, and just pop up to sun if it gets warmer! Amazing how they take care of themselves! I would worry otherwise. Obviously you are so experienced and know what you are doing.

[@Roukos_Rks]

as a tortoise owner, i have three tortoises one of them is my profile picture

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🐢🐢🐢

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I have my beloved, now in the reptile sky, beardie as part of my wallpaper. Love that guy.

[@ashleymoore9364]

I live in North Carolina, and it's still in the 70s some days though it drops to 30s-40s at night. How do the wild turtles around here figure out what to do?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s all built into them over tens of thousands of years. ☺️ They simply know what to do once the onset of the coming season is apparent. At that point it’s a trigger for the behavior they need to display to get through it.

[@danielbrown1724]

Great work guys, as usual. Question, why do you need cameras on enclosures? Meaning, if the lid is closed, why does it need monitoring?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you. To always have a watch on the area for predators and even theft.

[@tsuhodge9427]

I hope Athena pulls through !! Please keep us updated

[@blip-2024]

Thinking of Athena!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢❤️🙏🏻💪🏻

[@BruceHays-kk6bx]

I've been studying snapping turtles since I was 13 years old I sit in a stock pond and not be bit behavior activity and how they function was my intent. that was back in 1978 . I'm still working with them

[@annehart5584]

Hello! What happened to Otis? Haven’t seen him around lately… I really enjoy watching him!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

He’s still very much alive and well. 👍🏻

[@atomdecay]

​@@GardenStateTortoisethank goodness 🤘🤘🤘

[@davidkelly1298]

That's a bummer. Hope Athena bounces back soon.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢🐢🐢💪🏻❤️

[@joerudnik9290]

So fascinating!!!!

[@Scrilla01]

Hey GST just curious as to which tortoise you would recommend for a fellow New Jerseyan. Keeping outside and inside isn't a problem. Thanks

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Definitely a Hermann’s tortoise.

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

I had an owl at night and heron during the day feasting on my seafood buffet pond during the winter. The statue helped as far as the heron as they are territorial and won’t hunt where another is. As far as the owl, I would put those colored balls (ball pit balls) they sell black one for an astronomical amount, I just buy the cheap colored ones as they are the same thing, they float on the water allow the fish or turtles to come up for air if needed. But are hidden by the animals hunting slow moving creatures in the water. The herons couldn’t eat the big koi but would poke holes on them or throw them in the yard to freeze. It was sad. Just remember this if you ever need to protect the fish and turtles. They also sell those plastic web like thing that floats bur not a net they can tangle in.

[@irenehurtig266]

You are born for this

[@debbeasher-k4764]

Thanksgiving Have a Happy

[@cafrine76]

Thank you for your videos. They are most helpful. I’m located in northern California, and the temps will fluctuate up to high 60s throughout the winter. Should i feed or soak my marginated tortoise when the days warm up during the winter?

[@patriciaaturner289]

What about an embedded foxtail? Could that be festering?

[@anniebell6846]

Do you have alarms for all of them?

[@marvinnathanaeltedjo2010]

why different with the hermann's tortoise you didn't put the box turtles in the box?

[@atomdecay]

Now i have to see you name a Tortoise "Roger the Shrubber" 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🤣🤣

[@DD_11111]

How do they breathe when they dig themselves underground?? Also how do you stop any big mammals from digging them up for food? Nothing like that here in the UK. I have a 33 pound Leopard tortoise aged 7 and she has a heated, insulated dog kennel in my garden. It has full spectrum lighting and 2 heat lamps, ceramic lamp on overnight too. Outdoor temps can drop to minus 2 here so I have a camera and remote thermometer to check on her 24/7

[@whispersinthedark88]

So the lady digging a 4ft + deep hole and burying her two active turtles when she randomly decides that it's time for them to "sleep" ...is a bad idea...😳😶😑

[@reedvanness3239]

One question on hibernation. We have an Eastern Herman's Tortoise. We live in Wisconsin, so we have cold winters. She is kept indoors. She has a hutch to keep her warm and a uv lite. She lets us know when she wants out and we let her walk around the house. We do let her roam our back yard, supervised, in the summer. Now we have never hibernated her. I've seen were some put them in refrigerators so they can hibernate. She will stop eating for awhile. Are we doing the right thing for her? Is it ok for them not to hibernate?

[@tinalocklear9496]

How many months do they go without food? 😢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That depends on the season. Usually 3.5-4 months. Anything in their stomachs could kill Them.

[@sunq858]

I got mine from you and it is going through this right now

[@cara9648]

I really hope Athena will be ok!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Us too ❤️

[@olivesaviary4757]

How would you burmate Dalmatian tortoises? Thank you

[@GabeAndNikkee]

🐢❤️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@joycedavis9996]

🤞🏽🙏🏽 for Athena

[@GardenStateTortoise]

🙏🏻🐢

[@jetjiles49]

What happens if you accidently step on their burrow site?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

They’re cushioned by the earth around them but you still should be careful.

[@jetjiles49]

@@GardenStateTortoise are Athena and Luigi going to be ok?

[@Maeng-u3o]

Quick question is the western hermann tortoises legal to keep as pets in the Philippines?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I think so!

[@Maeng-u3o]

Do you guys sell baby herman tortoises?

[@barbhelle5481]

I hope the antibiotics work for her.❤

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Same!

[@alienpl107]

Chris I have a question My Russian tortoise is currently hibernating. I didn’t prepare him for it, he just did it by himself. He burrowed himself a little in his house (the house is made out of wood) and that’s it. Do I need to do anything else for him to hibernate properly?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’ll depend on where you live but as long as it’s out of flooding and he can’t freeze, he’s good.

[@skedwin3020]

Hi we've acquired a 3 year old wester Hermann which has never hibernated, she's kept indoors do you have any advice as I want to do the best for her. Many thanks 🙏

[@MadelynFerraioli]

Can’t you bring box turtles in for winter?

[@SotasExotics]

You see the tik tok of that lady who straight up buried her box turtles🙄

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Heard of it

[@MadelynFerraioli]

Do you have to let tortoise hibernate?

[@shanabrown8696]

Is Athena better???? It’s so hard to find the follow ups! Can you tag her name in her follow up video??

[@carschmn]

So they mostly dig vertically, they don’t dig horizontally.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻

[@evonnewhalen9794]

I hope she is okay

[@Lonesome__Dove]

Oh no Athena!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🐢

[@ratmannlibertyhound6755]

Figures crossed

[@whispersinthedark88]

Do you have to use special syringes to get through their skin? Those look like regular ones used on ppl, I'm surprised that the tips don't bend as soon as you touch their thick skin.

[@jenpink4298]

🐢❤🤞

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️🙏🏻🐢

[@kevinseidel1575]

How many of your subscribers know the shrubbery reference? 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I think your the first to get it! 🤣

[@FootballFc_77]

why is my tortoise hibernating in the summer I live in the uae and i keep him outdoor

[@whispersinthedark88]

Just an FYI: Mallorca/Majorca is actually pronounced Ma-yor-ka for the English speakers here. Similar to how J in Scandinavian languages sound like a Y.

[@banjonlevy1510]

What is the coldest climate region Russian tortoises are safe to be outdoors for winter in the United States?

[@e.m8805]

Do you worry about predators like raccoons or rats?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes which is why we use so much predator protection here. Traps, motion sensors, cameras, detergents and of course, dogs.

[@lavindas]

FYI it's pronounced "Mayorka" not "Mallorca" 😅

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

There's a woman here on yt who literally digs a hole and buries the box turtles that she keeps. Can't remember the name of the channel. Just search burying turtles maybe, keeping outdoors in winter. Ya know, if you wanna give her a piece of your mind. Sounds batty to me.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I am aware of it. Seems a lot of people are coming down on her.

[@jhena2308]

I get worried to my 3 yrs old Russian tortoise Muncin... I didn't go him for hybernation last winter cz he is only 2 yrs old so, for NXT winter I need to do it for him.... Cz 1st time to have a tortoise pet in my whole life and I love him so much.. Infact he knows his name of I call him he knows it....