Facts:
The Scientific name for the Sulcata Tortoise is Geochelone sulcata. They have pleasant temperament making them a good pet. Native to Africa's grass lands, they are the third largest tortoise in the world reaching up to 200 pounds. Since they can live to be over 100 years old one must consider who will inherit the tortoise.
Description:
The Sulcata is a mainland tortiose. They have a top shell called a carapace which is flattened and broader than other tortoises. They are from yellowish to brownish in color. The bottom shell is called a plastron The legs blend well with the shell color. Spurs are present on the back of the rear legs, their function unknown.. Very thick skin probably helps to reduce fluid loss in the very dry climate.
Environment:
Being from the grasslands in Africa, they do not hibernate. A hot and dry environment must be provided. If they are allowed in climates falling below 70 degrees this will cause illness and possible death.
Hatchlings are best kept in an aquarium indoors but can be outside during the day in hot weather. Do not allow high humidity in their environment as it can cause respiratory infections or other illness.
In captivity they require:
*An edible substrate like alfalfa hay or pellets.
*Ideal temperatures is 95*F to 100*F during the day and no lower that 72*F at night. UTH are suitable for tortoises.
*Minimum of 55 gallon tank for 4"-6"
* They are strictly vegetarians.
As juvenals and adults they do best in a planted outdoor enclosure with a heated house they can sleep in and make use of in rainy weather. More information on their environmental requirements can be found by clicking on the links below.
Hatchlings are best kept in an aquarium indoors but can be outside during the day in hot weather. Do not allow high humidity in their environment as it can cause respiratory infections or other illness.
In captivity they require:
*An edible substrate like alfalfa hay or pellets.
*Ideal temperatures is 95*F to 100*F during the day and no lower that 72*F at night. UTH are suitable for tortoises.
*Minimum of 55 gallon tank for 4"-6"
* They are strictly vegetarians.
As juvenals and adults they do best in a planted outdoor enclosure with a heated house they can sleep in and make use of in rainy weather. More information on their environmental requirements can be found by clicking on the links below.
Heating and Light:
*They require UVB and heat light to remain healthy. More on the recommended requirements can be found by clicking on the links below.
Diet and Supplements:
Most believe Sulcata Tortoises are strictly vegetarians except for the incidental insects they may consume while grazing.
Supplements of calcium and multivitamins are recommended 2 to 4 times per week.
Supplements of calcium and multivitamins are recommended 2 to 4 times per week.
Reproduction:
Mating occurs mainly September thru November but can happen June thru March. The female will dig a nest and lay 15 to 30 eggs, burying them. In as little as 90 day up to 156 day later they hatch.
Handling:
Never pick your Tortoise up by the shell. Care should be taken to support the front and back legs of the tortoise. As they grow it becomes increasingly harder to pick up the tortoise since it can get up to 200 pounds. Baby tortoises shouldn't be allowed to roan the house as there is danger of being stepped on which can as the least crack the shell and injure or the worse, stepping on it can kill the tortoise.
Common Problems:
As with all reptiles illness can most often be attributed to incorrect husbandry.
Respiratory infections can occur quickly in an environment that is too humid.
High protein diet can cause high uric acid in the bladder, impacting the urate eventually leading to death if not treated with soaks to hydrate, and sometimes surgery to remove the impacted urate.
Another common problem is shell softening from deficiency of calcium and pyramiding of the shell with to much protein.
The above information and much more can be found at the following sites.
Respiratory infections can occur quickly in an environment that is too humid.
High protein diet can cause high uric acid in the bladder, impacting the urate eventually leading to death if not treated with soaks to hydrate, and sometimes surgery to remove the impacted urate.
Another common problem is shell softening from deficiency of calcium and pyramiding of the shell with to much protein.
The above information and much more can be found at the following sites.
Melisa Kaplan's
Sulcata Tortoise
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Wikipedia
Sulcata Tortoise
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Sulcata Station
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