The Sulcata Tortoise is a species of tortoise commonly known as the African spurred tortoise. Here is some information about the size, lifespan, food, and care of Sulcata tortoises:
Size:
Sulcata tortoises are one of the largest tortoise species in the world. They can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh up to 200 pounds.
Lifespan:
Sulcata tortoises are long-lived creatures, with a lifespan of up to 70 years or more in captivity.
Food:
Sulcata tortoises are herbivores, and they primarily eat grasses and other types of vegetation. They require a diet that is high in fiber and low in protein and fat. As pet owners, it is essential to provide a range of green vegetables such as collard greens, turnip greens, kale, romaine lettuce, carrot tops, and seeded grass hay like timothy hay, grass hay or alfalfa hay. Also, provide a calcium supplement regularly to help maintain the health of their shell and to avoid metabolic bone disease. Avoid feeding them with foods that are toxic to tortoises such as avocado, rhubarb, beet greens, spinach, broccoli and radicchio.
Care:
Here are some tips for caring for a Sulcata tortoise:
- Housing: Sulcata tortoises need a spacious enclosure with a basking area, cooler area, and shaded area to provide a range of temperatures.
- Lighting: They need full-spectrum ultraviolet lighting to receive Vitamin D3.
- Bathing: Sulcata tortoises need to soak in warm water to keep hydrated and help in shedding their shells.
- Environmental conditions: Their environment requires maintaining temperature ranging from 75 to 85 degrees and humidity in the enclosure ranging from 50 to 60 percent.
- Annual veterinary exams: Regular visits to a reptile veterinarian can help ensure the pet’s health.
- Exercise: Sulcata tortoises need to be able to exercise or roam outside of their enclosure as they are inclined to walk to graze for food.
Proper care of Sulcata tortoises requires time, space, and resources, so it is important to consider these factors before bringing one into your home as a pet.