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Sulcata Tortoise Owners Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Glen Powell

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Published in Sulcata Tortoise Owners Guide Sulcata Tortoise Care Behavior Feeding Enclosures Costs Health Interaction And Myths The Captive Care Of Sulcata Tortoises

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Sulcata tortoises (Centrochelys sulcata) are among the largest tortoises in the world, with adults reaching up to 3 feet in length and weighing over 100 pounds. They are native to the Sahara Desert in Africa and are well-adapted to hot, dry climates. Sulcata tortoises are popular pets due to their docile nature and longevity, with some individuals living for over 100 years.

Sulcata Tortoise Owners Guide. Sulcata Tortoise care, behavior, feeding, enclosures, costs, health, interaction and myths. The Captive Care of Sulcata Tortoises.

by Jee Utrecht

4.6 out of 5

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Sulcata Tortoise Diet

Sulcata tortoises are herbivores and their diet consists mainly of grasses, hay, and leafy greens. They should be fed a variety of fresh foods every day, including:

Grasses: Bermuda grass, orchard grass, fescue
Hay: Timothy hay, orchard grass hay
Leafy greens: dandelion greens, collard greens, kale

In addition to fresh foods, sulcata tortoises should also be offered a calcium supplement three times per week. Calcium is essential for bone health and can be found in the form of cuttlebone, calcium powder, or calcium-rich vegetables.

Sulcata Tortoise Habitat

Sulcata tortoises require a large enclosure with plenty of space to roam and bask. The enclosure should be at least 10 feet long by 10 feet wide and 4 feet high. It should be escape-proof and have a secure lid.

The enclosure should be divided into two sections: a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be between 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and the cool side should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The enclosure should also have a basking spot where the tortoise can warm its body. The basking spot should be between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

The enclosure should also have a water dish, a hiding place, and a place to dig. The water dish should be large enough for the tortoise to soak in and should be changed daily. The hiding place can be a box, a cave, or a pile of rocks. The digging area should be filled with a mixture of sand and soil.

Sulcata Tortoise Behavior

Sulcata tortoises are generally docile and easy to care for. They are not typically aggressive towards humans, but they can be territorial towards other tortoises. They are also very active and spend a lot of time exploring their enclosure.

Sulcata tortoises are also brumation, which means that they go into a state of dormancy during the winter months. During brumation, the tortoise's heart rate and breathing slow down and they become less active. Brumation is a normal part of the tortoise's life cycle and should not be disturbed.

Sulcata Tortoise Health

Sulcata tortoises are relatively healthy animals, but they can be susceptible to certain health problems, including:

Respiratory infections
Gastrointestinal problems
Metabolic bone disease
Shell rot

It is important to take your sulcata tortoise to the veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure that it is healthy.

Sulcata tortoises make great pets for experienced reptile keepers. They are docile, long-lived, and easy to care for. However, it is important to do your research before purchasing a sulcata tortoise to ensure that you are prepared to provide it with the proper care.

If you are considering getting a sulcata tortoise, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder. You should also be prepared to provide your tortoise with a large enclosure, a variety of fresh foods, and regular veterinary care.

Sulcata Tortoise Owners Guide. Sulcata Tortoise care, behavior, feeding, enclosures, costs, health, interaction and myths. The Captive Care of Sulcata Tortoises.

by Jee Utrecht

4.6 out of 5