Sulcata Tortoise Care Guide

Species Info: Sulcata tortoises, also known as African spur thighed tortoises, are native to north and central Africa. They are the third largest known tortoises overall, second only to the Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises. Sulcatas, along with most turtles and many other reptiles exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination, meaning that the temperature their eggs are incubated at determines their sex. Higher temperatures will produce females while males are the opposite.  

Level of Care/Handling: Advanced. Sulcata tortoises have a life expectancy that rivals humans and are best kept outside in very large outside enclosures when temperatures are adequate. Turtles in general do not like to be handled and are best left to explore during their out-of-enclosure time, but should be supervised at all times. 

 Length/Lifespan: As previously mentioned, sulcata tortoises get very large. Males can be larger than females (both easily reaching 24-30 in. in carapace length and 100-150 lbs), and are easily identified at maturity by a stag beetle-like spur extending out from the front end of the plastron (bottom shell). The maximum lifespan of very large turtles is not known with certainty, but you can expect 70+ years out of this species with adequate care, but do not be surprised if they live beyond 100 years. Growth happens fast during the first 10 years of life and slowly for the rest.

 Temperature/Lighting/Space Requirements: These torts can tolerate a wide range of temperatures as long as a heated area is provided, but are best kept within a 70-80 degree temperature gradient with a 100 deg basking spot. If kept inside, UV lighting must also be provided to ensure proper growth and digestion. Babies and juveniles under 8-10” can be kept in a 40 gallon tank, but adults (which as previously mentioned are best kept outside) shouldn’t be in anything less than 10×10’. Sulcata tortoises will use as much space as you give them, spending most of their day patrolling the outer margins. 

Humidity/Water Requirements: Sulcata tortoises come from very dry regions of Africa, and do well with an ambient humidity of 10-35%. A shallow water bowl large enough to soak in can be provided, but should be cleaned often as these torts like to make a habit of defecating in it. Babies and juveniles should be given a 10-15 minute soak in 80-90 deg water 2-3 times a week (once a week for older juveniles. Adults an be left to soak as they see fit. Take care to not let the humidity get to high or baths too frequently, which can soften their skin and shells to dangerous levels.

Tank Flooring: Organic soil with no pesticides, or a 75/25 mix of cypress mulch and coconut fiber or peat moss is ideal for this species. Sulcata tortoises love to burrow and are very good at it, so as deep of a layer as possible should be provided. For outdoor enclosures, the outer fencing/wall should extend at least 1.5 ft. underground to discourage burrowing at the walls and preventing escapes. Flat rocks can also be provided to file down your tort’s nails. 

Enclosure Decoration: Decoration can be kept minimal as tortoises like these benefit much more from nutritional enrichment (in the form of a very varied diet). 2-3 adequately large hides (one of them kept humid inside using spag moss or something similar). Flat rocks can also be provided, which will help to file down your tort’s nails naturally.  

Diet: Sulcata tortoises, like most torts, are herbivores. This species should have grassland tortoise pellets and different hays like Timothy, alfalfa, and orchard grass hay, which should make up the bulk of their diet (70-80%). Veggies and leafy greens- even the good calcium-rich ones like collards, dandelion, and squashes- can cause shell softness issues, pyramiding, etc if fed in excess. Fruits like apple, mango, berries, and banana  can be fed as very occasional treats as well, but again: take care not to feed too much. The high amounts of sugar can increase parasite load fairly quickly. Food should dusted with Repashy Super Veggie three times a week for babies and juveniles, and once a week for adults. Feeding Frequency: Sulcata tortoises are best described as eating machines. Pellets and/or hay should be offered daily, and is best done by scattering the food throughout the enclosure. This species naturally roams most of their day foraging on whatever is under them so feeding in this way is more natural. Greens/veggies can be offered 2-3 times a week and fruits once a week or less.

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