The following photos show the results of tortoises being reared under the southern, coastal NJ sunshine and being subjected to all 4 seasons. These 3 western Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni hermanni) were all hatched here and represent 3 different ages from 3 different distinct locales...
I know I’ve provided a lot of written information on this forum regarding the proper rearing, general husbandry/diet, breeding and identification of Hermann’s tortoises, but lately I’ve been spending more time on YouTube making videos that cover many things regarding turtles and tortoises...
Although our American species and most of our Mediterranean species spend the entire year outdoors here, regardless of age, the more exotic species do have to come inside for winter. This is often a difficult time to properly feed these animals, for many keepers. This quick video offers some...
In nearly 30 years of doing this, this is the very first time I’ve had to write something of this nature.
I’ll keep it as brief as possible.
Peter Chin contacted me to pair up his Hermann’s tortoise which was clearly a female based on the images he sent me. He wanted to breed her one day so I...
In this new episode take a look at turtles and tortoises in the act of hibernation (or more accurately, brumation) around our property. We even go underwater to see some that are actually active when temperatures are only in the 30s.
This video covers a pre-brumation check on Hermann’s tortoises as they prepare to disappear for winter. The use of a temp gun is also shown as the tortoises’ shells reveal some impressive temperatures even on a cool day.
What happens when tortoises and turtles hatch?
When should they be removed from the incubator?
How should they be set up?
In this full episode, a lot of information is covered on the subject of reproducing these amazing animals. Learn about how to handle newly hatched babies and how to begin...
How does a tortoise nest? When does a tortoise nest? How many eggs are laid? How long will they incubate for? Just how do you incubate them?
All these questions and more are answered in this very video. Learn about the importance of having an appropriate outdoor enclosure, keeping tortoises in...
“Episode 15: How to Raise Baby Box Turtles” is now up on our YouTube channel.
This full length episode goes into detail about a method that actually produces excellent results. Box turtles have been notoriously difficult to raise throughout the history of herpetoculture and one reason for this...
This video demonstrates how to build an outdoor, naturalistic enclosure for pancake tortoises. The animals live outdoors here in southern coastal NJ from April or May until October or November depending on the particular year. Enjoy.
As I continue on with full episodes regarding the husbandry, identification and breeding of turtles and tortoises including ones on habitat construction, I wanted to post the link to the newest one here. It’s that time of year again (hatching season) or many of us and it’s both exciting and even...
Garden State Tortoise Merchandise is NOW AVAILABLE.
Use this link to view and shop our online store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/gardenstatetort/og-shop?fbclid=IwAR11GcsnE4ttSzE44FozmGayBAMK-PTujK9iHr6m-ERg3mdW09LGsDeyjdM&asc=u
Our logos (8 styles) feature 7 different iconic turtle and...
As promised, I have completed the newest and most up-to-date care guide for Greek tortoises (Testudo graeca ssp).
Special thanks to Yvonne for helping me properly post such a big article. The guide busts some common myths and misconceptions about tortoise keeping while going into detail about...
The Greek Tortoise Care Guide
(Testudo graeca ssp)
Chris Leone
HermanniHaven.com
GardenStateTortoise.com
theTurtleRoom.com
THIS CARE-SHEET IS DETAILED FOR A REASON. READ IT THOROUGHLY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH OBTAINING A TORTOISE.
Moroccan tortoise (Testudo graeca marokkensis)
Introduction...