Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001
– 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name:
Sulcata Tortoise,
African Spur thigh Tortoise
Latin
name:
Geochelone sulcata
Native
to:
Southern Sahara desert region ranging from Senegal,
Mauritania, Mali, Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia
Size:
The largest shell length ranges up to 36 inches and
weighs up to 240 lbs.
Life
span:
If taken care of properly a Sulcata tortoise can
live up to 70 years.
General
appearance:
The sulcata tortoise is a uniform color of brown to
golden yellow color. Growth rings on each scute appear on the carapace. There
are also welldefined spurs on the rear legs, which gives it its name African
spur thigh tortoise. The skin is thick which may serve to reduce fluid loss
through transpiration.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
Because of the size of the tortoise, you will need
to build a pen. If you live in a climate that is warm enough, the pen can be
built outside and they can live outside all year round. A shelter with a ramp
should be provided for these outdoor pens. If you live in a climate that the
winter
does get cold, an average sized adult will need a
six-foot by six-foot indoor grazing area and a six-foot by six-foot basking
area. If the tortoise does not get enough room to exercise the tortoise may
lose muscle mass. When housed outdoors, fencing should extend at least two feet
underground because these tortoises like to burrow.
Temperature:
An ambient temperature should be kept at 72º –85º F.
A basking area should be kept on one side of the enclosure at a temperature of
85º-89º F. At night, the temperature can drop down to 70º-75º F. It is a good practice
to let the tortoise soak at least twice a week.
Heat/Light:
It is important that adequate lighting is provided.
Lighting must provide UVA and UVB for proper skeletal and shell development. Incandescent
lights may be used to provide basking spots. Ceramic emitters or under-the-tank
heaters may also be used to heat the enclosure.
Heated rocks are NOT recommended.
Substrate:
Sulcata tortoises like to dig and burrow. It is
important to give the tortoise something that they can burrow in. A mix of 50%
sterile play sand and a 50% organic soil works well. Hay with newspaper can
also be used. Other suitable substrates are alfalfa pellets, aspen particles,
or Lizard Litter®. Some people also consider using Carefresh ®. Pine, cedar,
and
oyster shells should be avoided.
Environment:
These tortoises come from a desert region therefore
require a dry, arid enclosure. A hide box is often beneficial. Many people use
a Dogloo® and put a pig blanket in the housing for warmth in large enclosures.
Diet:
Sulcatas tortoises are grazers and need high fiber
and low protein diet. Mixed grasses, orchard hay, timothy hay, optunia pads and
berries, hibiscus leaves and flowers, clove, prickly pear pads, dandelion
greens and flower, Dutch clover, rose leaves and petals, sow thistle, romaine,
and red leaf lettuce. You can also give mulberry leaves and grape leaves in
limited quantities. Animal protein should be avoided. Fruits should be fed
sparingly if at all.
Maintenance:
The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A
thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution
is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before
replacing the substrate and placing the tortoise back in the enclosure. It is
always recommended to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the tortoise or
cleaning the cage or cage accessories.
Other
references or recommended reading:
Palika,
Liz. Turtles and Tortoises for Dummies. Howell House 2001.
Highfield,
Andy. Practical Encyclopedia of Keeping and Breeding Tortoises and Freshwater
Turtles. Carapace Press 1996.
Highfield,
Andy . Pracatical Care of Leopard and Sulcata Tortoises. Carapace Press
Armour
(Adam) Marissa. “African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) retrieved 21 October
2001.
Available
online:
http://home.earthlink.net/~rednine/sulcatacare.html
Chirico,
Theresa. “Sulcata and Leopard Tortoise Links and Information” retrieved 21 October
2001.
Available
online: http://www.turtlecafe.net/sulcata_leopard_care.html
Kaplan,
Melissa “Sulcata Tortoise” retrieved 21 October 2001
Available
online: http://www.anapsid.org/sulcata.html