WE TURN A POND INTO A TORTOISE PEN!

We're always evolving here at Garden State Tortoise and there is absolutely never a dull moment! With cooler weather setting in and winter days not so far off, we decided to make a change. See how we convert our indoor turtle pond into a tortoise pen! You can do this too. It's simple, easy, effective and keeps the tortoises safe and sound for winter. See how we do it in this video and you'll find that what we make can comfortably house a wide variety of tortoise species including red foot tortoises, yellow foot tortoises, Greek tortoises, Hermann's tortoises, Russian tortoises, Forstens or Elongated tortoises and even juvenile Galapagos tortoises!
How did we get Galapagos tortoises?! Find out here:
The GIFT of a LIFETIME
• The GIFT of a LIFETIME
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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

[@christinenolan1418]

Jack and Sally are beautiful. Im sure they love their new habitat. Your girls are adorable.

[@AK33_akamini]

A turtle raised in a very good environment will be happy! I'm Japanese and can't speak English, so I don't know much about the content, but I'm sure it's a very cute turtle! ! I have 3 Japanese Pond Turtles, but someday I want to keep other turtles! !😊

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@jozefzappe4926]

@@GardenStateTortoise Please, what is the Latin name of this turtle? Thank you :) And Otis is what kind of turtle is beautiful

[@higgiehat4520]

@@jozefzappe4926 I think it’s Geochelon elephantopus or something like that Edit: never mind

[@joegaming2189]

@@jozefzappe4926 Otis is an eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina)

[@jozefzappe4926]

@@joegaming2189 Thank you very much🙂

[@sharondickinson3837]

They both have grown so much, Jack and Sally. I really hope that they enjoy their new, rather impressive home! GST always has the right way, with husbandry, housing and hibernation for tortoises and turtles, thanks for helping me learn. 💙

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Sharon!

[@loriw2661]

Aren’t they just perfect little Gallops?!?!!!😊 So darn cute. And what lucky tortoises they are, to have such an amazing facility at their disposal. I just want to say that you’re both doing such a great job of showcasing your animals. No click baiting, no over-the-top antics, just great information and education while keeping it enjoyable to watch. Well done! Say hi to Otis!🐢❤️🐢

[@jenniferjean]

Love Otis so much personality. And yes they're so lucky to have such caring owners. I wish all were treated so well.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Lori!!!!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@davidkelly1298]

Jack and Sally are just awesome. Good to see they are doing so well. The information you provide about your animals is amazing as are all of the enclosures they are in.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you David!

[@tamarrajames3590]

I really appreciate the efforts you go to in creating good habitats for all your charges. It is easy to see how healthy and happy they are with you, and you sharing such a breadth of knowledge and experience with us is brilliant. Thank you.🖤🇨🇦

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@Littlewings1211]

This is a great video. We have a Hermann's tortoise that is quickly outgrowing his tortoise table, this video has given us a lot of ideas for how to make a bigger enclosure for him. Thanks!

[@KeithRN]

Those tortoises have grown so much! The enclosure looks great 👍🏾.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@bluedeva]

I can’t get over how much they’ve grown and the shell growth is so smooth 👌🏻They will be so content in the winter enclosure 🤗🐢🤗

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you and yes it’s crazy how big already!

[@loispadgett6306]

They are going to have fun in that beautiful enclosure. What fun you will have this winter watching as they grow bigger every day. GOD BLESS 🐢💖🐢💖🐢💖

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks again Lois!

[@sochikollar3538]

Month ago I began my turtle life. Watching your video is my go to to relax and watch you handle all the turtles/tortoises. I pray I become as natural as you.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Karen 🙏🏻

[@marsfeathers]

Gosh they're so beautiful. Truly incredible animals. I can't believe humans hunted them for food 😭 a deep pain for the animals of the world was instilled in me at a young age when I learned the history of the dodo. The fastest animal to go extinct after discovery, in only 80 years. We destroyed them so effortlessly and it just makes me so sad sometimes..how much have we truly lost? But despair doesn't do anyone any good and I'm truly grateful for the work you and your family do for all kinds of turtle species!!!

[@MarcoRodz007]

Wow! Jack & Sally are so big already! I cannot believe they grew so much in 1 year-they are about the size of my 10 year old Russian. That enclosure looks awesome, though. My mind is already ticking and planing my next tortoise enclosure. My thanks to you and your family for sharing so much of your time and knowledge for us mere mortals to learn how to take care of and look out for these amazing animals. 👍👌👊 P.s. that sound track was awesome. 👍

[@rhainaweissehexe3899]

Jack and Sally are so cute 🥰 You made them such a cozy home ❤️ Very nice 🙂

[@jamiekalsen9761]

Sad to see the pond go but what a better replacement!!

[@robertbakerii5469]

Love everything!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Robert!

[@ballistic350]

Here in Wisconsin, that's something I do also... turn bookshelves into a tortoise pen

[@lunes-1]

👍I always wanted to have a tortoise 🐢 🤗

[@JohnPulliam82]

Good thing it's done already because we are supposed to get the first 30 degree day's here this week. But looks good, and keep up the good work. One day me and my son are going to take the trip out to you guys, were just out in Collingswood so it's not that far. But best wishes to you guys and keep warm throughout these colder months coming up. It's looking like we're going to have a cold winter though.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

This has to be the chilliest fall ever. Usually all of our tortoises get to stay outside until the first week of November here in south jersey. Maybe we will actually get a decent spring for once. 🙏🏻

[@kimcrawford5247]

Great video packed with so much amazing content. Jack and Sally have a lot of grazing room. I agree less can be more. This was a lot of fun thank you! ❤

[@Andrea-ws1vd]

wonderful video as always but even better than usual, you are also growing in this without falling into sensationalism and always remaining at an excellent level of real disclosure. I would like to deepen the discussion on the use of indoor UVB lamps for animals that spend half the year outdoors, I was intrigued by the fact that they can do without them. thank you!

[@kylesmithisawesome]

*cough* brave wilderness *cough*

[@stephenweaver4445]

I thought the same thing as well! My question is: would a vitamin D3 supplement be advisable or even necessary during their indoor stay?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you so much Andrea! It’s true that the UVB thing is of course debatable but I’m talking in 30 + years I’ve never found an issue with not providing it for animals spend half the year outdoors.

[@Andrea-ws1vd]

and i believe so much in the experience of passionate people like you Chris, and i love that you take the time to answer all of us and thank you so much for your reply. when will your Patreon be active?

[@spearmanerica676]

I love the big tortoises they are a few of my favorites other of course Otis is my #1 and the Alligator Snapping turtle 🐢 is my favorite soo cute and dirty I love ‘em though.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️ thank you!

[@spearmanerica676]

@@GardenStateTortoise ur welcome ☺️ sir I jus love 💕 nature the sheer beauty of it all and these reptiles are a part of of nature if we as humans take a sec too jus admire nature we would be much more happier.

[@jenniferbeasley9966]

Awsome cool tortoises it will be interesting to watch them grow up to be giants yeah! 💚🐢 👌 thanks for sharing !

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Jennifer!

[@rondisanti8928]

really enjoy updates on the Galapagos tortoises !

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Ron!

[@ArmyForTheAnimals]

I love the shot of the enclosure at the end. You can see the nice water dish already all dirty with substrate, just like you said it would be lol! I can't put a ton of decor in my Russian tortoise's enclosure because she will just destroy it. 😁🐢

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahahaha you should have seen it the next day!

[@ArmyForTheAnimals]

@@GardenStateTortoise 😂 Too bad you can't ask the tortoises to wipe their feet before they get in the dish! 🤣

[@pjshelledkeeper]

Watching from Thailand.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

❤️

[@panteamaddah82]

Looking forward visiting garden state 😁🐢🐢❤️🎉 jack and sally look so cute

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@YouLookism]

they are so cuteeeee love galaps! ♥

[@lynettemora9369]

Beautiful

[@ralphhammond8398]

Hey guys, enjoyed the video, a lot of good ideas, my enclosure for my Central American Wood Turtle (Norma Jean) is basically set up like yours...Ralph

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks Ralph!

[@Shaden0040]

nice enclosure for them. /these two have grown much since you've gottttttttten them.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Crazy right?!

[@WhatHowWhenforWhomWhatpurpose]

11.52 Little Baby Yoda faces they have

[@GardenStateTortoise]

😀

[@ReggieVSSolace]

Thanks for the tips

[@gaurib]

I'm a lil embarrassed to admit that I watch your videos not for the reptiles but because of you. My family owns a turtle bt I have a irrational fear of reptiles so I admire them from afar. Bt your videos are so wholesome and relaxing that I can't help bt watch. The way you treat those animals, Casey and your daughter is so admirable. I respect you so much as a person and hope I find a campanion like you in my life

[@GardenStateTortoise]

That was one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@SierraJenson4]

Still an awesome enclosure

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks sierra!

[@GodisTruth914]

Looks great!!!!😁

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@lockbreaker2585]

Another great video!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!!

[@geronimocabudbudvlog7885]

very good tortoise

[@kemhug2623]

Watched hours already. Figured I'd subscribe... more Otis please.

[@Mist3rChing]

It looks great already. Some of the features are identical to what I have for my Greek & Russian tortoises. But the driftwood is always tricky for me in regards to tortoises because one of my Russian tortoises loves to mount himself to the point that it turns himself upside down, which was a worry for me so I had to avoid driftwoods and leave for my beardie.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

I hear you, and thanks!

[@shamik_sathe]

This is a beautiful enclosure. I have an idea, like it's more of a rip off from kamp kenan. You should make a waterdish like that of what kamp kenan did for his Galapagos and aldabra tortoise. It does help em with exercise. Your videos are great

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Great idea and thanks!

[@TheOtherSteel]

Actual Galapagos turtles? Somebody must have smuggled them off the islands. That's unfortunate, but I'm glad you were able to get them.

[@richardtaijeron8838]

🤩🐢enclosure 🤙🏾

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks!

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

I’m working on a pond that size right now for my yellow belly slider I think he is going to love it

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome!

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

@@GardenStateTortoise we just got a house and it has a heated outdoor din I am turning into my own personal zoo of sorts I’m going to finish my turtles upgrade first then my tortoise then I’m going to build permanent enclosures for my bucket list animals and a small aviary for zebra finches because one of my bucket list animals is an egg eating snake so having the egg supply first would be a god idea

[@Shaden0040]

coild use an overhanging plant of spineless pricklypear cactus. Can be rooted from a pad gotten at a jispanic farmstttead along with various chili peppers.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Good idea 👍🏻

[@numericalerror1]

Could you post a list of safe plants you use in your habitats?

[@mbrooks5897]

He talks about it extensively ru not listening

[@simajayaredevil]

Hi Chris, I saw someone build tortois enclosure with ramp and platform for the feeding space. I am curious whether how good the tortoise depth perception is. Are they smart enough to know not to jump off the platform? It would be an issue if they fall off and turned upside down.

[@kristinmcintosh91]

💯 on the patreon! Sign me up! And dream dream dream tortoise. My redfoot is perfect for me now but how amazing to be apart of conservation and hopefully multiplication of these incredibly prehistoric animals!

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Awesome, thank you Kristin!

[@deliciouskfoodlemongrass7497]

Wow 🥺😲

[@katiedid1851]

Awwwww. They are blessed to have you. So are we. I cannot imagine size of Galapogos Turtles when adult. Can't they be released into their native habitat? ( galapos..?)

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you Katie! Unfortunately no, they can’t be.

[@albertsrour8687]

Very good video. And where are the painted turtles who used to live there? Outside?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks! Yes, they now live in the outdoor ponds.

[@donnahamacher2054]

I would love to have one a big land Turtle.

[@johncardinal5534]

A tortoise or box turtle views a clean water dish as a blank canvas. It cries out for them to decorate 😂

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Hahaha totally!

[@froggystyle8781]

Wonderful Setup! wondering how hot the basking light gets underneath with the 160watt bulb? Looks low and I am always having to adjust my Hermann's 100w basking stand. 16" above and it still breaches 95 Degrees in the late afternoon.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you! It’s reading at about 96.7F

[@brentdewey3980]

How is the bottom constructed?? One large peice?? Or more planks.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It sits on top of the deck in our nature room but the pond liner at the bottom protects it

[@simajayaredevil]

Hi Chris, Will you please list the substrate you are using for this enclosure? And also where to buy them.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes it’s zoo med forest floor and zoo med eco earth with nature’s care organic raised bed soil. You can get them all on Amazon

[@kevinpoe8137]

I remember kamp kenan doing a tour of your indoor setups about 5yrs ago do you still have those tortoises, I believe the video was titled great indoor turtles and tortoises

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Yes we do!

[@tnopsclark6179]

That is such a great space! I wish I had the space to do this for my guy since CO winters are so harsh. My problem is that my new Hermann Tortoise won’t eat any fresh fruit or veggies! I have tried every way of feeding, cutting, and mixing. Pellets can’t be the only thing he eats! HELP!!

[@mattfletcher6100]

I remember the video when you got them. They are bigger then my 3 year old redfoots.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Wow that’s crazy!

[@soaringhawkjaylorihaack6339]

I've seen how destructive my box turtles can be in their enclosure. Can only imagine what Galaps are capable of!

[@rwitter5333]

What kind of destruction are you talking about? Just curious.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Oh yeah for sure!

[@soaringhawkjaylorihaack6339]

@@rwitter5333 Uprooting anything I plant in their habitat, mostly. Pushing rocks around, moving their log hides... Typical turtle stuff!

[@jeffjohnson1748]

Will the plants chosen require grow lights?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

It would help them, and we have them but these two species often do fine with just room light.

[@stevenf927]

So what is the ambient temperature in the room?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Usually around 80-83F

[@martinachvalova7691]

Hi, i heard, that under heat lamp cannot be stone. A turtle can't have heat from underneath. She overheats. Its true ?? Have red foot tortois. Sorry for my english😃, thanks Martina from Czech Republic.

[@RossJ316JC]

🙂👍👍

[@GardenStateTortoise]

👍🏻

[@Treeplanter73]

Is there a plastic liner underneath??

[@GardenStateTortoise]

There is a 65 mil pond liner as I described in the video.

[@Treeplanter73]

@@GardenStateTortoise Thank you, I must have missed that. My redfoot would love a place like that.

[@Shaden0040]

Baned fir Jack SKelington and /sakkly from nighttmare before xmas>?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha yup the kids named them after that

[@talkingterrapins6626]

You should remove the plant from the pot to make it look a lot better

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks but as I described in the video that would be a bad idea because of how destructive Galapagos tortoises can be.

[@sillywilly722]

mercury vapor bulbs should be ran 24 hours before you use them they can hurt your reptile . or do you know this already?

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Already knew that but it’s actually not entirely true. Still, always good to err on the side of caution.

[@tedbomba6631]

As usual, this is another interesting and informative video. You and Casey do an excellent job creating your videos for our enjoyment ( here it comes and you knew it would be ) would you please tone down the volume of the musical interludes ? There are often others in the room who are doing their own thing when I'm watching your videos and they find the music distracting. Thanks !

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thanks but that’s a tough one. We always check our volumes but unfortunately sometimes once it’s on KZbin the levels change.

[@elishagardner]

I'm turning 41 in 2 days but idc. Can you guys adopt me please 🤣 I'm a very hard worker 🤷‍♀️ and I'm told I'm funny! Plus I'm a retired preschool teacher so I can educate the girls 😁😂

[@sos3309]

Lesson one : How to become an expert in rep vids performance ... Impressing, as always ...

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you!

[@thatdude9253]

Im a new fan of turtles and also to your channel, i love them so much, it makes me want to have one 🥹 thank you for taking care of them and keeping us update on them and posting every Sundays, you’re making my day better, thank you ☺️

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Thank you and we’re happy to have ya!

[@RamNath-jc6rs]

Aldabara baby praice pliz

[@SandraNelson063]

I'm looking at the dogs, and cat person that I am, I was asking myself why not a nice cat for the girls? Facepalm! The dogs will leave all the critters alone. But a cat is never completely domesticated. A cat would entertain itself by racking up as many kills per day as it could. It's just how they're built. A feline brain is always making quiet, mathematic equations about how to get to whatever creature it casts its eyes on. They can't help it, it's how they are wired.

[@GardenStateTortoise]

Haha yep and also we can’t have cats because Casey is terribly allergic to them

[@acid_flexer]

Can u do videos about Greek tortoise ?

[@mbrooks5897]

Love the video but your choice of music sucks , what part of this video did s Mexico themed ????