Sulcata Tortoise Care

Sulcata Tortoise Care Guide

Basic Information

The Sulcata Tortoise, also known as the African Spur Thigh Tortoise, is the third-largest tortoise species in the world and one of the most popularly kept tortoise species. Large male Sulcatas can grow to be up to 200 pounds! This is a rare example, but it is not uncommon for a sulcata tortoise to reach 100 pounds or more. Most females typically weigh between 70 and 100 pounds. However, this kind of weight takes a long time to achieve, as sulcatas can live to be 100 years old! Baby sulcatas start off being able to fit in the palm of your hand. They do the majority of their rapid growth within the first 10 years. After that, they will continue to grow for the rest of their lives, but at a much slower rate.

**Sulcata Tortoises are not for everyone. They require a lot of space to grow and thrive, and are found in areas with high, regulated temperatures. While they can be kept indoors, they require a large amount of space and all their dietary needs must be met; otherwise, they can become malnourished and experience growth setbacks. These individuals can live a remarkably long time, 60-80 years, so be sure to do your research and ensure you are well-prepared before purchasing a sulcata. 

Health

Sulcata tortoises tend to be wary of being handled or picked up. However, they do enjoy being scratched gently on their head and neck, and can also appreciate a gentle rub on their shell. If they need to be picked up for any reason, scoop them up rather than lifting them from above to avoid stressing them out too much. Wash your hands before and after handling your tortoise. 

Calcium deficiency is a common health issue that can affect sulcata tortoises. This is caused by poor diet and poor care in terms of living conditions. This can cause them to develop a soft shell or metabolic bone disease, which can affect many reptiles. 

Enclosures

Younger Sulcatas can be kept in smaller spaces and are easily maintained indoors before being moved. A tortoise table or a large cage is a good option and can be equipped with everything they need in terms of lighting, diet, and water. However, it's essential to note that young sulcatas will grow rapidly and require a larger enclosure. A larger enclosure indoors is the size of a room. They need a substantial amount of floor space to engage in plenty of exercise and accommodate their large size. Keeping them outdoors is highly recommended because it meets all of their environmental needs, including space for exercise and digging. Keeping them outdoors, however, requires proofing your yard. Fencing is required and needs to be deeply buried in the ground to prevent the sulcata from digging underneath it and escaping.

Additionally, protection is necessary around the house if the enclosure is connected to it, as these animals will target the house paneling and doors. A wooden-built house in a corner is ideal for a high-humidity area as well as shelter from the elements. Be sure also that the outdoor enclosure is safe from wild animals, such as foxes, coyotes, and other potential predators that could cause harm. **Only house them outdoors if your area can sustain their needs. **They require warmer temperatures and high humidity. ** While you can transfer them inside during the colder seasons, you must ensure that all their needs that were met outside are also met inside, especially in terms of floor space. 

Heating/Lighting

Outdoor kept sulcatas have it far easier in terms of heating and lighting. As long as the outside temperatures reach their daily temperature needs of around 80°F with a basking temperature of around 100°F, then they require no further supplementation. However, sulcatas kept indoors require more effort. Younger sulcatas cannot handle temperature drops as well as adult sulcatas, so they will need temperatures above 75°F at all times. Adults can tolerate temperatures as low as around 50°F, but it's not advisable to let the temperature drop that low frequently. A constant temperature of 75-85°F is recommended, with the same basking spot temperature listed above. It's recommended to use dual heat lamps mounted inside the enclosure, positioned somewhere with the appropriate heat bulb and UVB bulb, for younger sulcatas. UVB is required if the sulcata is kept indoors; it is not necessary outside. For adult sulcatas, UVB is still required, but they will need much more ample day lighting, more than what lamps can provide. Having plenty of windows with sunlight can work; otherwise, consider using hanging LED lights from the ceiling. 

Substrate

Sulcata tortoises love to dig and burrow, so ensure that you provide an environment that allows them to do so. Outdoor-kept tortoises will dig in the ground, which needs to be sulcata-proofed in a sense, because these burrowers will go under fences and into houses if they have access to do so. Indoor-housed tortoises will require a substantial amount of substrate in their enclosure. A few inches is okay for a young tortoise, but a full-grown adult needs about 2 feet worth of substrate to dig and burrow in. Fortunately, a wide variety of substrates is available. Coconut fiber or coconut coir, sand, cypress mulch, and a soil-sand mix are all viable options. It's highly recommended to purchase products from reputable pet stores or garden centers to avoid those that may be contaminated or contain harmful chemicals. Feces should be cleaned often, and indoor substrate should be completely replaced every 4 months. 

Humidity

Juvenile sulcata tortoises require more humidity than full-grown sulcata tortoises. Because they are born during the rainy season, they biologically require higher humidity, with a minimum of 80%. For full-grown sulcata tortoises, they can tolerate lower humidity as long as their temperature requirements are met; however, they thrive in higher humidity levels. The range is more versatile, spanning 50-90%. Humidity is crucial for growth and hydration, so it's essential to monitor humidity, whether the sulcata is being kept outside or inside. Making sure they have water to soak in is vital. Indoors, having a layer of moist substrate and frequent misting is recommended. You can also provide a large hide that maintains a higher humidity level for them. 

Water

Always provide these tortoises with a large, shallow bowl or container of water that they can access and soak in. They are big drinkers and need constant hydration. Soaking also promotes good health for them, so expect to see them soaking for up to an hour a day. Additionally, expect to need to replace the water daily, as they will defecate into it. 

Food

Sulcata tortoises love to eat and will eat a wide variety of plants and vegetables. Outdoor-housed tortoises will spend the majority of their day grazing on grass and hay, which comprise the bulk of their diet. The key to their diet is low-nutrient vegetables and grasses, as an overly rich diet can cause pyramiding of their shell. Salad mixes and low-nutrient, leafy greens are also a good choice and can be prepared in advance. There are also numerous store-bought food options available, such as tortoise hay and food crumbles. Younger sulcatas require constant feeding as they grow. In contrast, adult sulcatas need to be fed less, usually the amount equivalent to the size of their shell, to prevent overeating. Fruits can also be given as a treat occasionally, but should not be regularly included in their diet due to their high sugar content.  Additional food should always be served on a plate or tray of some kinda to avoid ingestion of substrate. 

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