How to care for a pet sulcata tortoise? One of the biggest tortoise types in the world is the sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), sometimes referred to as the African spurs tortoise. They have very thick, yellowish skin and a brown-to-yellow shell. Their legs also feature sharp scales, also called spurs.
These tortoises, which are native to dry and semi-arid parts of sub-Saharan Africa, are popular as pets because they are adaptable to a variety of environments. However, because of their lengthy lifespans and particular care needs, they are not the best pets for everyone. However, they may make for incredibly entertaining, inquisitive, and amiable companions if you are able to keep them content and healthy.
The Behaviour and Temperament of Sulcata Tortoises
These tortoises, which are native to dry and semi-arid parts of sub-Saharan Africa, are popular as pets because they are adaptable to a variety of environments. However, because of their lengthy lifespans and particular care needs, they are not the best pets for everyone. However, they may make for incredibly entertaining, inquisitive, and amiable companions if you are able to keep them content and healthy.
The Behaviour and Temperament of Sulcata Tortoises
Like other kinds of tortoises, sulcatas are large, sluggish, and quiet. Additionally, they frequently exhibit curiosity to their detriment. They are prone to flipping over and becoming incapable of standing back up, as well as becoming caught in areas that are too tiny for them. These tortoises make nice, quiet pets in general. They don't often act aggressively or territorially. Nevertheless, they still shouldn't be handled frequently, particularly when they're smaller and more delicate. Overhandling can lead to stress, health problems, and even early death.
Details of Size
The third-largest species of tortoises in the world is the sulcata. The usual size of a sulcata tortoise is 18 inches, and its weight ranges from 70 to 100 pounds, while some can reach 150 pounds!
Residing
For this huge species, having access to roomy indoor or outdoor tortoise habitats is ideal. A strong fence, around two feet tall, is required. Additionally, in an outdoor cage, the fence ought to be extended underground by at least one foot due to their excellent burrowing abilities. For protection from the weather, a doghouse or tiny shed is a nice option. You can also include a muddy wallow for the tortoise to soak in and urinate in.
Because of their size, adult sulcata tortoises might be difficult to house indoors, but if you live in a colder region, you will need to give them a warm place to reside. They would be able to reside in an outside, heated shed and greenhouse during the colder months. You'll probably need to set aside a room if you decide to put an adult sulcata inside.
Unique Substrate Requirements
A substrate is frequently used by pet owners to line the enclosure's bottom. The ideal substrate for a sulcata tortoise is a mixture of dirt and sand. In addition to being warm and allowing the tortoise to explore, this mixture is sustainable for the environment.
Heat
In order to remain healthy and active, sulcata tortoises require high temperatures. If they are close to a shaded area (75–85 degrees Fahrenheit) that they can go to cool off, they can withstand temperatures outside of a hundred degrees Celsius and greater. They will require extra heat if the overnight low falls below sixty degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep your tortoise's room, greenhouse, and shed at eighty to ninety degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and keep the temperature of the basking lamp at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures around sixty and eighty degrees Fahrenheit tend to be acceptable at night. Keep your tortoise warm in its enclosure to prevent it from starving to death and from becoming sick with pneumonia.
Brightness
Outside of the sun, tortoises kept in enclosures don't require any additional lighting. However, since your sulcata tortoise won't be receiving regular, unfiltered sunshine when housed indoors, they will require a UVA/UVB lamp. The light will promote healthy bone growth, disease prevention, and overall well being in your tortoise. As directed by the manufacturer, make sure the light is positioned near enough to your turtle for it to benefit from it. Additionally, find out when it's advised to replace the bulb because, regardless of whether the light stays on, UVB production will cease.
Temperature of Humidity
The ideal humidity range for sulcata tortoises is between 40 and 60 percent; hatchlings require humidity closer to the higher extreme of this range. Keep a hygrometer nearby to gauge the humidity levels and adjust them as necessary. Excessive humidity can cause respiratory disorders, fungal infections, and other problems. Once and twice a day, lightly spritz the enclosure housing the tortoise if it's necessary to increase the humidity. Don't be scared to give your tortoise a bath as well. Ten minutes in a shallow, warm bath will help with hydration and humidity and encourage them to go to the restroom.
What Consumptions Do Sulcata Tortoises Have?
The herbivorous, grazing Sulcata tortoises require a diet strong in fiber and low in protein. Feeding a range of grasses or hays (which should make up at least 75% of their diet) in addition to a few edible weeds or flowers, like cactus pads, endives, dandelions, and clover, can help offer this. A small amount of other rich green vegetables is also permitted. Steer clear of foods high in oxalates, like kale, spinach, mustard, beetroot greens, and okra.
Throughout the day, your tortoise will graze on the grasses or weeds in their surroundings, but every one to two days, you should serve a salad made of different leafy greens and vegetables. Make sure you keep insecticides out of their surroundings. They will eat anything, so find out what plants are thriving there! Your tortoise's age, size, and overall health will determine how much variety and quantity it receives, so check with a veterinarian to be sure.
Many owners use a daily multivitamin pill that also includes calcium, or they supplement the veggies at least twice a week (or as prescribed) with calcium powder. Unless specifically instructed by your veterinarian, refrain from giving fruits, animal protein, and pelleted tortoise food from the pet store. The majority of the water that tortoises need comes from their diet, but you should also provide them with a small water dish within the cage that you refill every day.
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