Top Notch Egyptian Tortoise Indoor Enclosure Build!

[@rjallen70]

Dr Omar Attum of Indiana University has been studying Egyptian Tortoises in Egypt, and engaged in a conservation program with the assistance of the Bedouins. They studied the diet and vegetation composition of Egyptian tortoise, Testudo kleinmanni , habitat in North Sinai, Egypt. so not gone yet.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

EXCELLENT to hear that. Up until hearing this most think they are all gone if not close to it.

[@rjallen70]

@@GardenStateTortoise they are exceedingly rare, but there is one somewhat stable population. Interesting that the Bedouin are enlisted to protect them.

[@ellenmcintyre1247]

​@@rjallen70 well they're the only people out there that actually are paying attention to the natural world

[@KimSpurre104]

Glad to hear that! The world would be a worse place without them.

[@pdmullgirl]

Ya know growing up in NC, every spring the turtles ( box turtles) would come out of hibernation and wonder into our yard. We lived in the county and it was very wooded. It got to where I would take a sharpie and mark their shell to see if the same ones were coming around. And they were! I would feed them when I aw them. Loved watching them eat ears of corn. They eat it like we do. Hold it on each end and bite into it. So cute! Anyway, I enjoy your videos. Learning a lot too. I’m fifty eight now. My “turtle” days were clear back when I was a pre teen and teenager. Then when I hit twenty two we sold our house. I’ve often wondered if the turtles still come around. But that certainly made for some fond memories. Thinking about those turtles, feeding and marking them, makes me smile. ❤️💜💚

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Paige, we love hearing peoples’ stories about reptiles and thank you for watching!

[@Cajunkaty]

I love watching your videos. You explain info about your tortoises better than anyone else. You and your wife are great in my books and at 76 I appreciate the animals more than ever. Thanks.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Kay, that just made our week!

[@GodisTruth914]

You did such a great job making their home! The enclosure is just stunning! Seeing that little gal yawn was just too precious, I had to watch it a couple times😜 They look super happy in their home. Job well done!!!😍

[@fakeshemp9599]

I have a little baby russian and one of my favorite things is when he yawns! ☺

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you and thank you for watching!

[@KeithRN]

Little Dolly was on the move the whole video 👏🏾. She had to run and go make sure Jolene didn’t take her man.

[@steveshot81]

it's nice that you and your wife really enjoy doing what do together both as a hobby and as conservationists.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you steve.

[@steveshot81]

@@GardenStateTortoise You share a lot of great information

[@cloudyclayton-youvebeengam7614]

I'd love to see toy guys do a Hermanns tortoise indoor setup, I live in the UK and I love Hermanns but care guides just seem all over where your videos are always informative and easy to watch!

[@Mr_Dejour]

What I've noticed in the UK all tortoise groups are so set against vivariums regardless of Ventilation etc. Table tops just don't feel right

[@joeestes4958]

So glad this channel exists. You both have really taught me a lot.

[@stephennovak4624]

I'm just starting out with box turtles and you two are helping so much, Thank you. By the way you and your wife work very good together, adds to your show. My wife and I live in S.C.

[@sanderambroos5210]

These video's have been such a helpfull source for taking care of my Hermann's Tortoise! Thanks for all you do for these animals!

[@kathyevans3251]

It was fascinating to watch you assemble the habitat..

[@GatorMike79]

Great video! Never knew about this species. Thanks for sharing!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching!

[@terryenby2304]

So cute!! I am seriously considering if we can offer space to a tortoise someday (probably whatever species the local charities rescue when we are ready) and these videos are so helpful and interesting!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Terry!

[@davidlewis2604]

I have a baby African sulcata tortoise in a one bedroom apartment and he gets plenty of exercise he's out of his 50 gallon tub 6 hours of the day and I take him outside to walk for a hour or two a day, I have you tube channel called shell shocked about my turtles and tortoise next month or so people can see how happy my brothers and sisters are and how to take care of them 😀

[@chainsain_faunachainproject]

Hope you got your tort

[@stephaniethornton7742]

I just love all the education! Keep up the great work!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Stephanie!

[@quix66hiya22]

@Garden State Tortoise. Hi Chris and Casey, just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos and how much it means to the care of my tortoise. I was a soaker until I saw this video. I just got the water dish today. He hated his old terracotta clay water dish and never used it, so I soaked him daily. At first he ignored it, but I just saw him pause to drink on his way to his hide! Life should should be much less stressful for both of us without the soaks. I did get the Mt. Etna so I hope he can live in his new 5’ x 2’ Toad Ranch enclosure forever but he did get much bigger than I expected, especially at only two years old! He loves his Mazuri! I bought the herbs that you recommended adding to his food after I saw the Kenan video a while back. Your videos are helping me be a much better keeper. Thanks so much for your advice and peeks into your work, like with your family and pets.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

This comment is everything to us. Thank you!!! ❤️

[@williamMikmaq222]

Lol... The little one is like. I got places to do and things to go! Excellent channel. I’ve just discovered it and, I have to say you’ve earned a subscriber.

[@amydryman]

I'd love to hear more about the unnamed subspecies. I'm a fan of the "Greek" type tortoises, but have such a hard time figuring out which is which. Your site is a real help with that.

[@clothsoverbros34]

Thank you so much ..im in the process of changing out oyster shells for sand mixture..I really needed help with this and now I'm ready ..

[@ginahampton2129]

These turtles are beautiful!! I love your pet room too! Very nice video!

[@GabrielOneal-z6l]

This is so entertaining you guys deserve a tv show. I am interested in breading red toed tortoises in the future. I want to meet someone like you guys to teach me

[@embracenreborns6997]

This is my absolute favorite tortoise I actually had a pair that I actually placed outside to do a video and allowed them to graze on grass and weeds for their birthday and didn't know the grass was sprayed and both passed away and I was sick behind losing Salt & Pepper . I truly missed them and have been looking for more ever since. I get pay in two weeks and will be reaching out to get a couple from you or get my name put on the list. Thanks again for educating us on this as well as the various kinds of tortoises. I love your channel and 👀💚🐢🐢🐢🐢🐢

[@jojomafia3851]

When I was younger I caught wild grasshoppers and crickets then fed them to my geckos. 🦎 The bugs had ingested pesticides etc. it killed my geckos. That was a tragic day and I never made that mistake again. Sometimes we all learn the hard way. 😔 But just incase you didn’t know that the bugs that eat outside can kill pets just the same as the plants it’s sprayed on or soil it’s in. 👍 I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that.

[@embracenreborns6997]

@@jojomafia3851 thanks so much for me it was a learning process and expensive mistake

[@jase123111]

@@jojomafia3851 Yes. I never feed wild caught insects, and I grow my own herbs, grasses and vegetable for my pets. It is so scary how much toxic chemicals are used, and I hate to think of how many innocent birds, reptiles and other animals die in the wild from eating insects and things that have been sprayed with chemicals. Governments need to ban these chemicals and make farmers go organic!

[@marysaltlife1427]

Dolly and Vinnie are just too cute! If I could care for turtles, I'd love this adorable species. You NEVER ramble by the way. You always have interesting nuggets to share. And your wife, too!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Mary!

[@nickritz4740]

I have never heard of Toad and Ranch Enclosures.I am going to have to get one for my tortoise looks amazing.

[@candctortoises]

Spectacular enclosure! Thanks for another very informative and entertaining video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@larry648]

Great video. I live in Michigan and I have been looking at these small tortoises. It’s cold here 7 months of the year. One question, could you put some small yucca plant in the enclosure? Can they snack on them?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Larry, you’d have to research the type of yucca as some can be toxic. We use it in our outdoor tortoise enclosures without issue and the tortoises never touch it.

[@eth_ph_cc]

18:32 such a cute yawn 😄

[@andreaspencer8014]

Newcomer, here! This is just such a wholesome and informative ❤🐢 Thank you guys :)

[@mlara98796]

Wow! I am very excited for when you have some Egyptians for sale this year. No breeder has sold any this year or has them.

[@chcarroll5164]

I've seen a bunch of YT tortoise videos and now I want one. Of course I know better than to take on an animal which will outlast my most optimistic projected life expectancy by a factor of three or four.

[@loispadgett6306]

Was so happy to learn about this wonderful little specie of tortoise. I hope one day you will be able to breed those two girls and increase their numbers in the world. I do not want to see this specie lost. Thank you for teaching us about them and their care. GOD BLESS 🐢💖🐢💖🐢💖🐢💖

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you as always Lois. We have bred this species for a number of years successfully we just need a male for these two gals now.

[@loispadgett6306]

@@GardenStateTortoise I hope you find the little male for them soon. And glad to hear that you have had baby's of this specie. Keep up the great work you do. 💖💖💖 GOD BLESS

[@brandimyhren6317]

Dolly had some place to be. This was an awesome video! I learned soo much . Appreciated it. Thank you.

[@MsCrazycatlady]

Oh beautiful wall in the enclosure!

[@RoseCityReptilesTX]

Great video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@William_Does_Coasters2255]

I got a 6 x 2ft shelves, put them on it side and got rid of the shelves, I then filled it with soil and plants, a water bowl, a slate to feed off of and also some wooden tunnels and bridges and lined it with pondliner to protect the wood. I then purchased 1 UV lamp and 1 heat lamp and put them so no part of the habitat was dark and then but my 3 month old spur thighed tortoise in!

[@Fliecutie37]

Absolutely adorable!! You have done an amazing job with your enclosures.🙌🏻 Your babies look very happy!!🐢🐢💚💚

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@kimkhoo9401]

How often would you have to change over the whole sand / bedding and start new if you don’t keep it bioactive? For enclosure of this size.

[@dianadenner8672]

Your videos are definitely a positive among a host of lousy crappy videos not to mention the news - You are doing fantastic!!! Definite heroes. Happy Spring DLLUKE LLC and DLD May the Force Ventures

[@tammiegann-jones5698]

OMG Best video ever!!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOOOOOOVVVEEE, that tortoise species-my dream tortoise!!!!!! I had to save this video...Lol

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Tammie!!!!

[@ginaruck1342]

So you mentioned you don't soak the egyptians, do you soak other species of tortoises? I've heard many people suggest daily soaks for hatchling tortoises until they are at least a few months old.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

We only soak very occasionally, regardless of species. The reason is because it forces the bowels to move unnecessarily. Because of that, it can cause animals to prolapse. It’s best to just make sure fresh water is always available and only soak occasionally. Baby tortoises have gotten a bad reputation for being extremely difficult to keep thanks to inaccurate information on the forms, Facebook groups and in old books and so, keepers came up with the idea to soak constantly to keep them hydrated. In truth, if water is available always and an enclosure is kept at appropriate levels, the animals simply don’t require soaking and can void their bowels as they see fit.

[@ginaruck1342]

@@GardenStateTortoise Thanks for the info! I always wondered why so many people say baby tortoises have to be soaked everyday even if they have a shallow water bowl in the enclosure. My thought process was if there is a shallow water bowl available to them, they can choose to soak if and when they want to. I would much rather let the tortoise choose what it wants to do than force something. Love the videos and the information, and those new enclosures are awesome! I recently ordered a couple Toad Ranch enclosures for my Rough-Scaled pythons!

[@quix66hiya22]

Could you make a Hermann’s enclosure, even if not a Toad Ranch, though that would be absolutely lovely? Just to show us how, like even a fake one since you keep yours outdoors? Or just talk us through it? For instance, their ideal substrate, would Hermann’s need the same lighting as the Egyptians, which plants? Thanks.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good idea, although Hermann’s really need to be outdoors since they can handle temperatures up into the 100s and down to the single digits. They’re also not as adapted to spending a life indoors but a lot of people have to keep them that way so I agree it would be a good idea to show the best way how.

[@quix66hiya22]

@@GardenStateTortoise really, those low temps are okay? I’ll have to kill the fire ants first!

[@glennnewell2786]

Do you put coconut oil on there shells? Thanks for your time!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good catch. Yes, we did, but only for the video so people can get a clear image of what they look like.

[@chrisdolinish4845]

Great video, awesome set up!

[@LondonderryfaM]

i’m curious where you bought the heat bulb holders i love how their flush mounted 😊

[@quix66hiya22]

Just bought a Toad Ranch for my Western Hermann’s tortoise. Getting him out of his bin into something that he’ll be healthier in and where I could see him better in from across the room. I’m hoping he’ll be friendlier if I don’t have to approach him from the top. And I want to isolate his substrate away from our house and allergies. I coincidentally just saw the Excavator clay and wondered about it for tortoises. Thanks for highlighting these beautiful enclosures. I learned so much from this. Could you do a Hermann’s set up? For instance, is the Arcadia light good for them too?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@dorothyvarga6251]

I love the setup you designed for the Egyptian tortoises. How do you maintain their environment and keep it clean, do you have to change the substrate after a while?

[@imdella]

Totally awesome!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@liztinsley1993]

Could you do a video on the western Herman’s tortoises? I want to learn more about them.

[@SeraphimCherubim]

(Whey oh whey oh, ay oh whey oh) Walk like an Egyptian tortoise 🐢 🎶 Walk like an Egyptian tortoise 🐢

[@Shaden0040]

I have an idea for next year's April 1st. Garden State Otis.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Lol

[@LunaMariaA10]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@belizeguy]

Excellent information!! Thanks so much!!

[@xc1971pp]

What a wonderful perfect loving couple! ❤

[@ilcanaledellanatura]

Beautiful! Top!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@crystalh5449]

Questions- how often if ever do you change out the sand, do you have list of reputable places to buy egyptian tortoise, and do you have a care guide like foods to feed and how much and how often, and what live plants could we plant in thrre?

[@dloco486]

So they're supposed to have smooth round shells like the other 2 in the beginning of the vid. I've seen these at some local pet stores that have that spiky looking shell. I thought that was the way they actually looked. That sucks. That's what I liked about them was the spiky looking shell. Was thinking about getting one and calling him Bowser. Now that I know it's raising them improper, it kinda rubs me wrong like clipping/cropping the tails/ears of dogs.

[@carlotarojas988]

Daly is so cute❤!

[@Mdodao]

Mallorca is pronounced majorca. The l's are pronouced as j's.👍 Love this channel.

[@jerryhermann7233]

Oh ya try adding turface to the sand. It will hold alot of water for humidity. Its cheap at $16 a bag. I think a bag is 50# if i remember correct. Makes great potting soil as well.

[@omzdubz]

Is it possible to get a care guide for these tortoises?

[@mattgenco1283]

How often do you change the substrate?

[@osheadavis]

How often do you change out the sand?

[@EmileRedant]

Just built two large tortoise tables to house to pairs of egyptian tortoises. Are those live or fake plants, any plant (safe) species that can tolerate these tanks crawling over them all day?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

You can try aloe, agave and small dracanea plants. We prefer to use fake or dead ones as in the case of using the dead pine barrens heather for this enclosure.

[@EmileRedant]

@@GardenStateTortoise Thank you for the advice! Love the content that you guys are producing!

[@simajayaredevil]

Can the sand + clay mix substrate be used for Hermann tortoises if I want to build indoor enclosure?

[@richardtaijeron8838]

Wow awesome🐢 enclosure happy keeper’s happy 🐢👀😎🤙

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@jakehunnicutt8760]

Wonderful video and wonderful enclosure! Seriously a slice of nature. I'd love to keep one of these some day! Do they brumate or have a temp drop in winter?

[@barbhelle5481]

Well done!!

[@saga2964]

Can you use this for Russian torties? My Russie cannot use cypress mulch bc she likes to eat it (so we use 50/50 organic soil and coconut coir right now), but I'd love to find something a little firmer so she can walk easier. I really like this enclosure. Where can I find out more about them? What size are you using here?

[@bassingbasics6621]

Love this! Thank you guys for all that you do for these amazing animals God hand sculpted! Beautiful 🤟💪

[@santosleeli]

Beautiful setup and video! What size indoor enclosure would you suggest for one Egyptian tortoise?

[@RossJ316JC]

😯Awesome👍👍

[@Houseofshannon]

Do you have a video on an enclosure for a baby Sulcata? Would this work for them as well?

[@trixaicu]

I love your family and what you do. I have asked my son to bring my 3 toed box turtle to you. who did you say makes reptile enclosures omg I need onel do you have a web site?

[@Dovietail]

Our Sonoran Desert tortoises spend the majority of their day and all of their Winter in deep boroughs that reach 75-90% humidity, even in the midst of a 15 year drought. Access to humidity is crucial to all boroughing desert animals.

[@leebegaming4130]

I fully agree with you that tortoises should be outside, the ground is still frozen here though. :( so a summer pen it is

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I hear ya!

[@josheinwechter6328]

Thank you so much for this video and all the knowledge that you guys share! I was wondering, for an indoor setup, would the substrate mixture of sand and clay that you used in this video work for a Hermann's as well? Thanks again!

[@pricelizzzong8121]

Hey! Tried to find your video on making a baby tortoise enclosure out of a plastic container with a dual light fixture taped on top. Was that video taken down?

[@danadyd59]

Dolly sure is a cute active little gal!

[@manuelluengo2597]

Qué le ponéis al caparazón de las tortugas para que estén tan brillantes ???? ... Aceite ? ....

[@jordi8189]

Hi, is this substrate also suitable for a Russian tort? Thanks, Love your videos!

[@HarlinyBonnyelmorrocoy]

They like ir. It's a very good hábitat. They're happy, I see

[@stevenf927]

Is it difficult to make such a sandy environment bioactive?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It’s not, isopods and spring tails can survive in it and you can also add peat moss and/or soil to it to make it more interesting. We’ve just found over the years that sand is best for this species and that’s after trying all other options for them. Plus, it’s so easy to spot clean sand.

[@paulhilston1054]

What sort of bedding would you recommend for Russian tortoises?

[@PJ-nj4vt]

been told to use cocoir coconut soil. but just doesn't seem natural. wonder what is substrate to use for Russians as well.

[@Monawaat_Shaeeka]

I live in the most humid city in desert area lol I guess the tortoise will enjoy it

[@lovespydooo]

Hello GST, I am looking for a Egyptian but online websites seems to be scammy. Can you point me to the right direction or perhaps you guys sell?

[@karenlee2332]

SO SO CUTE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@baileykenney1]

What about a North American Wood Turtle hatchling to adult care video or species spotlight?

[@MsCrazycatlady]

Interesting, I noticed them walking on their nails? They are very strong!

[@SeraphimCherubim]

Dolly🐢 says I'm out of here. 😁

[@M.L.Knotts]

What do you do about poops in such an intricate enclosure? Does a lot of poop get lost and just end up sitting around?

[@ronwen7969]

Cool

[@nickritz4740]

Did you only use ONE Deep Heat Projector Bulb to maintain heat in this enclosure?

[@jase123111]

Do they need to hibernate in order to get them in the breeding mood?

[@mandyvance7691]

Have y’all done a video for a indoor Sulcata tortoise enclosure. I have a baby & I want the absolute best for him/her. I’ve researched & stressed over doing it right. I’m so scared I’m doing something wrong

[@ububay101]

Dolly is absolutely headed to that 9-5

[@KimSpurre104]

Or maybe it’s Friday!😂

[@omzdubz]

Great video! I want to get a male egyptian tortoise and i want to build my own enclosure. What is the minimum size enclosure to make just one of these tortoises happy?

[@omzdubz]

Id love to know please and thanks

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

i like the music

[@santosleeli]

How do you maintain humidity with the sand/clay mix?

[@pegedey1291]

Do you turn off the lights so it is dark for them to sleep?

[@genna6216]

Are Egyptian tortoises high maintenance? I’d like to have a tortoise but I won’t have a whole lot of time to care for one. Are they social? Would it be better to have two? I feel so dumb

[@kaleadreamaremylife6565]

Can I use this substrate combo for my Eastern Hermanns?