Sulcatas

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Care guide for sulcata tortoises:

Natural History:

Sulcata tortoises (also known as African spurred tortoises) are native to the Sahel region of Africa, which includes countries such as Sudan and Chad. They are the third largest species of tortoise in the world, and can grow to be over 200 pounds and 3-4 feet long. They are known for their distinctive "spurs" on their legs, which are used for defense.

Ideal Captive Diet:

Sulcata tortoises are herbivores, and their diet should consist mainly of grasses and other plants. It is important to offer a variety of greens daily, such as spring green mix, as well as flowers to add some variety to their diet. It is important to provide a balanced and varied diet to ensure that the tortoise is getting all the nutrients it needs.

In addition to fresh grasses and plants, provide a high-quality commercial tortoise diet, such as soaked and mushed Mazuri tortoise chow. The recommended feeding amount is 6-8 pellets per tortoise per day for those under 1 year old, with an increase of 3-5 pellets per year of age. It is important to soak the pellets in warm water for about 8 minutes or until they are swollen and soft before feeding them to the tortoise.

Alternatively, or in addition to Mazuri, Repashy Grassland Grazer can be provided. This is a commercial tortoise diet that is formulated to provide a balanced and varied diet for sulcata tortoises. The optimal diet for sulcata tortoises is high in fiber and low in protein, and should consist of 80-85% hays, grasses, and weeds, with the remaining 15-20% made up of vegetables, occasional fruit treats, and pellet-type foods.

Repashy Grassland Grazer can be a good supplement to include in the diet of sulcata tortoises, especially for babies who may not accept other types of supplements. It is important to follow the recommended feeding guidelines for the product, as overfeeding can lead to health problems.

In addition to commercial supplements like Repashy Grassland Grazer, it is important to provide access to fresh, chemical-free grasses for sulcata tortoises to graze on. Grass should make up 90% of the diet for sulcata tortoises, and it is important to ensure that the grasses provided are free of chemicals, as these can be toxic to the tortoise. By providing a varied and balanced diet that includes both fresh grasses and high-quality commercial supplements, owners can help ensure that their sulcata tortoise stays healthy and well-nourished.

Supplementation:

It is important to provide supplemental calcium to sulcata tortoises, as they can be prone to developing metabolic bone disease if they do not get enough calcium in their diet. This can cause deformities and weakness in their bones, and can be prevented by providing a calcium supplement and ensuring that they have access to natural sunlight, which helps the body absorb calcium.

Repashy Superveggie is an all-in-one herbivore supplement designed for use with sulcata tortoises and other herbivorous animals.  It is designed with a balance of nutrients specifically for herbivores and can be used as part of a daily diet for sulcata tortoises. One recommendation is to mix 500 grams of rinsed and spun grocery greens with as much cut dried hay (such as timothy, bermuda, or orchard hay) as will stick to the greens. The Repashy SuperVeggie supplement can then be added as directed on the packaging.

It is important to remember that supplements should only be fed to sulcata tortoises in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet. Overfeeding supplements can lead to weight gain and other health problems. It is also crucial to provide access to fresh grasses and hay for grazing

Enclosure and Lighting:

Sulcata tortoises need a large enclosure that allows them to move around and explore, with plenty of shade and a hiding spot. Keeping them outdoors in a secure pen, with a basking spot that reaches temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is often ideal. It is also important to provide a heat source if the nighttime temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Natural sunlight is important for sulcata tortoises, as it provides them with necessary vitamin D and helps them absorb calcium. However, it is important to provide a shaded area as well to prevent overheating.

Housing young sulcata tortoises:

When housing young sulcata tortoises indoors, it is important to provide a spacious and suitable environment that meets the needs of the tortoise. [1] recommends offering a home that is similar to the tortoise's natural habitat in the desert of Africa, with plenty of space for the tortoise to move around, feed, and sleep. A glass aquarium, plastic tub or trough, or other enclosures can be used to house young tortoises indoors.

It is important to choose a substrate that is appropriate for young sulcata tortoises. Substrate to consider is alfalfa pellets, or dirt as substrates for young sulcata tortoises. These tortoises live on dirt in the wild and can also thrive on dirt inside. It is important to keep the enclosure clean and to provide fresh water and a varied diet to keep the tortoise healthy.

It is also important to keep in mind that sulcata tortoises grow quickly and can reach sizes of up to 24 inches and 100 pounds within 12-15 years [3]. This should be taken into consideration when deciding on a temporary or permanent habitat for a young sulcata tortoise. A care guide compiled by a biologist can be a helpful resource for learning more about the specific needs of sulcata tortoises.

Please monitor your sulcata tortoise for any changes in activity, respiration, movement or appetite and contact us with any concerns.