It is believed that the Sulcata Tortoise is the most loved species of tortoise to pet all over the world.
Also called African Spurred Tortoises they are adored for their distinct characteristics – owners have reported that they behave the same way as dogs.
If you are looking for an animal with a lively and brave personality, take a look.
Sulcata Tortoises can be housed outdoors or indoors. But once they reach adult weight of 100 pounds, they’ll require a large enclosure for them to roam, graze, and dig.
Our guide to care below will provide an overview of the steps to raise healthy and happy Sulcata How to prepare their enclosure, how to feed them, and the best methods of husbandry.
Sulcata Tortoise Overview
Sulcata tortoises come from Africa’s deserts. Africa.
The Sulcata Tortoise is an extremely well-known pet famous for its massive dimensions, brown and tan shell, and massive scales.
If you are considering adopting a newborn Sulcata it is recommended to contact an animal store in your area and to re-home an older Sulcata since there’s plenty of Sulcatas around the world.
They are ideal pets for reptile owners who are first who are looking to commit their lives. The species is able to be alive for more than 100 years.
Most often, they are pet owners on their own and do well in captivity if they are raised in environments which are dry and hot all year. Southern states such as Texas are the best for them.
Because of their massive dimensions, adult sulcatas may reach over 100 pounds and must be kept in a protected area – keep in mind that they’re enthusiastic diggers before setting one free on your property!
Are Sulcata Tortoises Good Pets?
Sulcatas are considered to be extremely sociable and with owners. They are able to form bonds with their owners, and recognize them, and possess distinctive personalities.
The Sulcata is a playful and friendly tortoise that is a wonderful pet even for families with small children.
If you live in a warm area and have a huge backyard, this species is the ideal option for you.
What We Like
Pros
- They are relatively simple to maintain once the enclosure is constructed.
- A very long life span that means they’ll remain with you throughout your life.
- Individual and outgoing personalities.
Cons
- The actions of digging can cause many damages to your yard.
- A huge size needs a lot of space to run around and to graze.
- You need very hot temperatures and an area to relax that is more that 100°.
Species Appearance
A Sulcata tortoise’s skin color and yellow or brown body make them easy to identify! It also aids in camouflaging in their natural sandy desert habitat.
Are the African Spurred Tortoise and the African Spur-Thigh Tortoise the Similar?
Yes they do. other names include The African Spurred Tortoise or Spur Thigh Tortoise result from the presence of the three or two spurs that are located on their legs. They also have a noticeable overlapping and huge scales both on their back and front legs.
Their top shells are oval in shape , and it has many well-defined grooves. Their scutes appear more pronounced in the middle, and are highlighted by a darker brown hue.
When these tortoises weigh 15 pounds, it’s possible to differentiate males and females
- The lower part of males shells (i.e. plastron) is curved upwards as opposed to. females with flat shells.
- Males are able to develop anal scutes which have a “V” in shape and females have “U” shaped scutes.
- Males have longer tails than females.
While some are lighter and some are darker, the majority of Sulcatas share the same yellow, tan and brown colors. There are also albino and ivory morphs that have a lighter color.
What’s in a Name?
There are tortoises being referred to with a variety of names. Here’s an explanation of their many names.
As mentioned previously the name of these animals is as African Spurred Tortoises (or Spur Thigh) for the spurs that are visible on their thighs.
This tortoise breed gets its name Sulcata due to the deep grooves found in their shells. Sulcata originates taken from the Latin “sulcus,” which means “furrow and the grooves formed by a plow. the grooves on the shell of the Sulcata resemble.
The Sulcata/African spurred tortoise’s scientific name is Centrochelys sulcata . However, you might also find it listed as Geochelone Sulcata. Geochelone sulcata was their prior classification before it was changed to Centrochelys Sulcata.
Centrochelys is the common name of African tortoises, including sulcatas and Geochelone is used for Asian tortoises.
Personally, I believe Sulcata is the most appealing name and is probably the reason why it’s the most commonly used.
How Big Will Sulcata Tortoises Grow?
The baby Sulcata is born around two inches in length. The rate of growth can vary dependent of their nutrition, their enclosure and their environment.
Healthy tortoises should grow to seven inches by one year of age and gain between five and 10 pounds per year.
They’re very slow to grow and don’t reach their adult size until around 15 to 20 years old..
But, they’ll grow into larger tortoises. Sulcatas that are adults are very different from the tortoises that which you were introduced to. Sulcata tortoises make up the third-largest tortoise species around the globe.
The sulcata tortoises are the second largest after the Galapagos as well as Aldabra tortoises, both which are tortoises that live in islands. Therefore, sulcata tortoises may be actually the largest of the mainland tortoises.
Female tortoises that are adult females typically weigh between 70 and 90 pounds, and are between 24 and 30 inches. Males are slightly bigger than females.
Some of the biggest as well as oldest Sulcatas have weights higher than 100 pounds.
Sulcata Tortoise Care Guide
Sulcata Tortoise Diet and Food Guide
This tortoise is an herbivore. Wild, they consume different grasses and other plants. Similar diets is recommended for captive animals. In the ideal scenario, they will be fed numerous types of greens.
Numerous flowers are available to spice up the diet of your pet:
- Spring Mixes.
- Kale.
- Collard leaves and turnip leaves.
- Leaves of grape and mulberry.
- Orchard grass hay.
- Cactus pads.
- Most lawn grasses.
At at least 80percent of their daily diet should consist of vegetables and grasses mentioned earlier. The consumption of vegetables and fruits should not constitute the majority of the diet of a sulcata tortoise. Watermelon and pumpkin rinds can be a nice treat on occasion.
Older Sulcatas tend to spend most of their time grazing in the garden. It is crucial not to fertilize your lawn with fertilizers or pesticides since they could be poisonous for tortoises..
Their diet could be supplemented with pellets from commercial sources but the majority of their food intake is derived from grass and greens that are fresh.
Calcium
Calcium is a crucial nutritional element that could be neglected by newbies as there might be too little calcium content in food items you serve them.
Wild, tortoises get calcium from their soil, roots bones, soil, and snail shells.
In captivity you can offer them calcium supplements or cuttlefish bones. If you decide to give them calcium supplements, make sure you use it at least two or three times per week. Also, make sure that it isn’t contaminated with vitamin D3 in excess – it could be harmful.
Water
As reptiles that thrives in the desert, their water consumption isn’t particularly excessive. To ensure that they get enough water, soak their greens daily for a couple of minutes prior to eating.
A shallow water basin is also possible, however it must be cleaned regularly because they can defecate within it.
In the end, it is essential to immerse your tortoise shallow warm water twice each week for at most 15 minutes in order to keep the skin of your pet healthy.
Sulcata Tortoise Lifespan
The majority of Sulcatas can live up to 100 years of captivity. they’re a commitment for life.
The species is a robust reptile that can withstand the harsh environment of desert. There are however some health problems they may face in captivity, when they are not kept in a proper environment or fed a proper diet.
- A high protein diet or keeping the humidity to low in their enclosures could lead to a pyramiding of the scutes.
- They are susceptible to getting infections caused by damp and neglected substrate. They usually show up as white spots on their skin or in their shell and are typically connected to a smell.
- Dehydration is a frequent health problem. It is often related to weight loss and lethargy, as well as flaky skin and dry stool. It is extremely susceptible to dehydration due to their extremely thin skin, and they can dry out rapidly.
- Metabolic bone disease is frequent in tortoises who are not properly fed or housed. Sulcata tortoises who aren’t supplied with sufficient calcium and vitamin D, or not given sufficient UVB light can suffer from shell abnormalities.
Other health risks that can arise in captivity include respiratory infections (in common with reptiles in general) egg binding or bladder stones.
Many health issues are linked with the decline in physical fitness or weight gain.
You must regularly check your pet’s weight and if the weight begins to fall at any time it is recommended to speak with a veterinarian.
The Signs That They Are Healthy
- A uniform shell that is free of flakes, debris and other the oddities.
- A good appetite and lots of activity.
- The eyes, nose and ears appear clear, and free of irritation or discharge.
- Feces that is firm and well-formed. white Urates.
Sickness symptoms
- Drooping or breathing through the head.
- Lethargy and weight loss.
- Feces with watery liquids.
- Release from the mouth the nose, eyes, or ear.
Sulcata Tortoise Enclosure
What is the Habitat Natural Of African Tortoises with Spurs?
Sulcata Tortoises have also been known as African spurred Tortoises because they live in the grasslands and deserts of northern Africa at the southern end of the Sahara desert.
Within its habitat, the African spurred tortoise burrows as a method of escape from the heat and absorb water. A variety of other desert species make their own burrows in order to escape the harsh temperatures.
Their homes can go to depths of 10 feet or more..
So the soil’s density is vital to their normal behaviour. When the soil’s density is not firm enough, it is difficult to burrow. Likewise, in the event that the soil is loose, the burrows break.
Bring Them Inside
Sulcata tortoises need to be kept inside until the tortoise is big enough to be able to avoid predators.
Though this tortoise can grow slowly however, it is recommended to begin with a huge tank because they’ll grow faster than smaller tanks.
A 50-gallon glass tank is suggested in their initial year. Turtle tables made of plastic and plastic tubs can also be used.
In the initial year of use, the animals need to change into an outdoor enclosure.
Time To Go Outdoors
When they reach the age of two years old (or eight inches) in height, they must be relocated in an enclosure with plenty of soil in order to practice their burrowing habits and also with enough room to roam around.
When you move them outside It is essential to provide a well-insulated hide box that will help them maintain their the balance of their environment and to avoid predators. In areas that are colder there may be a need to go a step further and offer them an outdoor shed that is heated.
- Enclosure Type: outdoor.
- Size 100 square feet, with 12-inch walls.
- Lights: UVB lighting (if placed inside).
- Bedding eco Earth and Sand.
Outdoor enclosure must be at minimum 100 sq. feet and include walls or a strong fence that is at least two feet high and one foot in depth.
Sulcatas are very sturdy, therefore walls need to be well constructed. The use of cinderblocks can enhance the wall’s strength.
The wall or fence must be buried by about 1 foot. Otherwise, they may burrow beneath the fence line and eventually get out.
Sulcata tortoises are ardent climbers and their enclosure should be equipped with rocks, logs, and other elements to climb. The hiding places must also be included in their home.
A shallow water feature is another option.
Since they are a result of hot, dry environments, misting isn’t advised. However, you should offer a shallow soaking dish and soak the sock in a shallow in water for at least two times a week.
Heating and Lighting
As ectotherms. Tortoises regulate their body temperature via their surroundings. The tortoises need UVB light to process calcium and make vitamin D3.
If they live outdoors, they will be exposed to the required UVB directly from the sun.
For enclosures for indoor use, you require an UVB illumination source. Since they also require an auxiliary bulb for basking, it’s possible to purchase light bulbs that generate heat as well as UVB radiation. You can buy an enclosure hood that will house the lighting for basking as well as UVB bulbs.
Sulcata Tortoises need a daytime temperature ranging from 85-95 degree and a basking area higher then 100°.
Maintaining the right humidity is vital to keep your reptile hydrated as well as to ensure that your skin is healthy.
They require a humidity between 40 and 60 percent, with hatchlings needing more than 60 percent. A hygrometer is recommended to measure the humidity.
Sulcata Tortoise Bedding
A mix of sand and earth is the ideal choice for a newborn Sulcata in a home. There are several alternative substrates to consider in the event that you cannot find this mix: cypress moss aspen mulch, orchid bark.
Their substrate needs to be replaced every week and their enclosures is to be scrubbed using soap and warm water at least once per month.
If you are putting them in a place outside, ensure you have enough healthy grass to graze on and soil to put their bodies in.
Make sure they clean their pen of food scraps and excrement each day.
The Typical behavior
Sulcatas are a couple of activities they tend to spend the majority of their time performing based on the time of year:
- Grazing
- Burrowing
When the temperature is cooler, they can graze for hours, as their dimensions require a lot of calories.
As the temperatures rise and become more inviting, they build deep burrows in order to shield themselves from the sun’s rays in their murky wallow. In addition, they apply the saliva onto their armpits to to cool down.
Sulcata tortoises are known to be found in the morning soaking in the sun, thereby raising their body temperature after the cold evening.
When they are in the wild wild animals can be insecure towards each other. They may attempt to flip each other upside down and males will push each other to demonstrate dominance. Females are more cautious, but they can display indications of aggression. In this regard, it is recommended to keep them separately.
Tortoises utilize a variety of methods of communication, including voice, body movements and the pheromones. Additionally, they use their mouths and feet to discover the aspects of their environment via smell and touch.
In contrast to the other tortoises and turtles like the Sulcata is not hibernating when in nature. However, they can go through brief periods of brumation in captive.
Brumation is a condition of semi-hibernation in which reptiles become slow and sleepy in colder months.
Tips and Handling Advice
This Sulcata Tortoise does not enjoy being handled.
Youngsters and hatchlings are stressed while handling and adulthood can be too weighty to carry!
If you have to manage your Sulcata Do not restrain it or pin it. Be careful, move it slowly, remain cautious, and don’t raise them much from the ground.
Cleanse your hands prior to and after handling to avoid transmission of bacteria.
Sulcata Tortoise Price
In the pet trade tortoises typically cost between $100 and $200 when bought from a pet store.
You can find them at no cost from people seeking to rehome. Because they are very well-known and can live over 100 years they are a variety of tortoises to rehome.
You must conduct a complete physical examination on any tortoise before deciding to adopt:
- Make sure to check the nose, eyes, the mouth, and ears for any discharge
- Inspect the shell for any imperfections or other deformities.
- They must be alert, bright and alert.
Males begin mating with females by wrapping around them before hitting them with their feet. Females lay around 20 eggs and then bury them in a depth of 10 inches. It can take up to eight months for the eggs to develop.
| Sulcata Tortoise Facts | |
|---|---|
| Common Name | African Tortoise with Spurs |
| Scientific Name | Centrochelys sulcata |
| Price | $100+ |
| Size | 70 to 100 lbs (males are slightly larger) |
| Lifespan | Aged 80+ |
| Diet | Grasses along with leafy greens and hays |
| Tank Size | 100 square feet of space for adults |
| Humidity and Temperature | Temperature of the basking 100degF Cool side: 85-95degF |
| Popular Alternatives | Red-Footed Tortoise Russian Tortoise |
Summary
Sulcata Tortoises can make excellent pets, provided that owners do their research prior to making the decision to adopt.
They require plenty of space to graze . They thrive in more humid and warmer climates. You must construct a huge enclosure for your outdoor space with many hiding places as well as obstacles climb over and buy grasses.
Their long-lasting lifespan, their charismatic personality, and capacity to be a house attract owners from all over the world to purchase these animals.
They are able to form strong bonds with their owners, and are among the most interesting tortoises that live in the wild.
What do you think of these specie? Let us know by commenting below.
