COMMON NAMES: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Centrochelys sulcata
ADULT SIZE: 45cm-76cm long (18 to 30 inches), weighing 36kg-68kg (80 to 150 pounds)
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 50 years or more
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Africa
Temperature: 27-38oC (can be higher)
Humidity: 40-55%
Dietary Requirements: Herbivorous
Behaviour
Sulcata tortoises, like all other tortoises, are quiet, big and slow. They are very curious creatures, sometimes to their detriment. They can easily get stuck in spaces that are too small for them, as well as flip themselves over and be unable to right themselves.
As pets, these tortoises are generally pleasant and docile. They’re rarely aggressive or territorial.
The housing depends on the size of the tortoises. Smaller tortoises can be kept in an aquarium tank, or even a large storage container, whereas large tortoises can be kept outside.
Tortoises require a sturdy wall at least 2 feet tall, as well as 1-2ft foundation to prevent them from digging out. Their outside enclosure should have some shelter from the sun or weather (such as a large doghouse), and ample grass for grazing. Tortoises naturally dig and will often make mud wallows and these can be filled in when they become too large.
Sulcata tortoises should have access to a small, shallow water dish to drink from and soak in.
The enclosure’s temperature should be kept at 26-30oC during the day, decreasing to 24oC at night. Thermometers should be used to monitor the temperature in the warmer and cooler areas of the enclosure. A basking site at a temperature of 35-38oC should be provided using a heat lamp.
Sulcata tortoises prefer a humidity level of around 40 to 55 percent.
Humidity that’s too high can lead to fungal and respiratory infections.
If you need to raise the humidity, lightly mist the tortoise’s enclosure once or twice a day.
Sulcata tortoises are herbivorous, grazing tortoises that need a high-fiber, low-protein diet. This can be provided by feeding a variety of grasses and hays (comprising at least 75% of their diet), along with some edible weeds and flowers, such as dandelions, clover, endive, and cactus pads.
Small amounts of other leafy green vegetables are also fine. Avoid foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, mustard and beet greens, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Sulcata tortoises should not be handled regularly, as they are easily stressed out. They’re rarely aggressive or territorial. But they still should not be handled regularly, especially when they’re younger and more fragile. Excessive handling can cause stress and lead to health issues or even premature death.
