Pet Sulcata Tortoise

A Sulcata Tortoise, also known as an African Spur Thigh Tortoise (Geochelone Sulcata), is the third largest land tortoise, only smaller than the Aldabra Tortoise of the Seychelle Islands or the Galapagos Tortoise.

At birth, the Sulcata hatches from an egg only slightly larger than a ping-pong ball. Within its lifetime, a Pet Sulcata tortoise can grow to be 150 pounds, 3 feet across, and live up to 80 years or moreaqualandpetsplus.com: [1]. It's important to know this before choosing a Sulcata as a pet. They are charming and funny, but will eventually be huge and most likely outlive you. It is not uncommon for Sulcata owners to make provisions for them in their wills.

A Pet Sulcata Tortoise does not hibernate. anapsid.org: [2]

Sulcatas are popular throughout the United States, but it is easier to care for them in more temperate climates. Indigenous to the warm Northern Sahara Desert, they do not hibernate. Their body temperature needs to remain at 65 degrees at the absolute minimum, so proper heating is essential in their housing in colder climates.

Baby sulcatas are readily available, especially from breeders who can be found on the Internet. Most pet stores do not carry them because they grow so quickly. These land tortoises are herbivores or vegetarians. Infant Sulcatas are absolutely precious.

In the African deserts, these creatures are hunted by African tribesmen for their "bush meat." Their large shells used as bowls and for other products. It is primarily in the United States that they are cherished as pets.

What do Sulcata tortoises eat? Grass. In its native Saraha, the Sulcata nomadically roams in search of grass, which is critical to its health. "Timothy Hay" is a great substitute if fresh grass is not available. But your tortoise will also need a water source. In addition to the grass, fresh greens, vegetables and fruit may also be offered, but as a supplement. Possibilities include kale, mustard greens, mushrooms, strawberries, bananas, dark green lettuce, pieces of squash, etc. If the Sulcata has access to fresh grass, it will get the nutrients it needs from the grass plus little bits of soil for nutrients.

Romaine lettuce or watermelon on a hot day will prevent dehydration. If your tortoise appears to have "goggles" of moisture around its eyes, it needs water. A large very shallow container of water is also a great idea, especially when the weather is warm. Or a dousing from the hose, or turning on the sprinklers for a couple of minutes.

A Sulcata is not a pet to be kept in a container such as an aquarium tank. It will need plenty of room, especially as it grows into its seventh year or so. The more room your pet Sulcata Tortoise has to move, the healthier it will remain. It may also grow more quickly than a tortoise confined to a small space, because of the exercise.

Always provide warmth when the weather is below 65 degrees, and a constant shade source when the temperatures are over 75 degrees.