Are Sulcata tortoises easy to care for?

Are Sulcata tortoises easy to care for?

Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care. They start off small and cute but grow to weights of over 75 pounds with exceptionally large individuals weighing more than 100 pounds.

How do you take care of a sulcata tortoise hatchling?

Baby and juvenile sulcata tortoises tend to dry out much quicker than larger, more established tortoises. Because of this, I soak baby sulcata tortoises in shallow, warm water up to three times a week, for 10 to 15 minutes, whether they’re housed outdoors or indoors.

How much heat does a sulcata tortoise need?

The ideal temperature range at which to keep these tortoises would be 25-35°C (77-95ºF) in the daytime, with a basking spot up to 50ºC (122ºF), and temperatures falling no lower than 17°C (63ºF) at night.

Do sulcata tortoise need heat?

During the day, tortoises require a hot basking temperature. This is achieved by using clear spot bulbs at one end of the vivarium (or over a table). To accomplish the required basking temperature of 100oF- 110oF we use a basking bulb (100w in a 46″ vivarium).

Do sulcata tortoises carry diseases?

A healthy sulcata’s shell is smooth and round, but many of those raised in captivity suffer from some degree of “pyramiding,” a bone disease where they develop characteristic spikes on their carapace, the top half of the shell.

How often should you feed a sulcata tortoise?

The Sulcata is the largest of the African mainland tortoise, with specimens easily reaching 24-30 inches (60-75 cm) in carapace length and 80-110 pounds (36-50 kg). Food and Feeding: Adults should be fed three times per week minimum, and hatchlings fed daily. For every feeding, dust food with a calcium supplement.

What Sulcata tortoises should not eat?

Avoid feeding a sulcata some food items entirely. Never give your sulcata animal-based proteins, including insects, fish or mice. Sulcatas get all of the protein they need from the grasses and other plants in their diet. Avoid legumes, nuts and beans, as they have too much protein for the health of your turtle.

How hot is too hot for sulcata tortoise?

Still, just like humans can get too hot, there is such a thing as “too much” for tortoises as well. The preferred environmental temperature for tortoises is 30 degrees Celsius (around 86 degrees F), so if their environment goes any higher than that, they might turn lethargic.

Do sulcata tortoises sleep at night?

A tortoise will generally only sleep when there’s no UV lighting on, or if the sun’s gone down (if he’s kept outside). Although this will vary by tortoise. If your tort’s sleeping a lot in the day, check out the above section. Your Tortoise’s UV lighting should be on for 12 hours a day.

How cold is too cold for sulcata tortoise?

The tortoises themselves can handle surprisingly cold temperatures, as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, with no problems.

Can you kiss a tortoise?

Contact with adorable pet turtles and their environments. “Don’t kiss or snuggle with your turtle. This can increase your risk of getting sick,” the CDC says in its guide, titled “The Trouble with Tiny Turtles.”

How can I take care of A sulcata tortoise?

Once a sulcata is large enough to be confirmed a female, the price is generally higher for that tortoise because of breeding potential. Sulcata tortoises can also often be adopted from rescues or from families that are unable to care for a giant tortoise any longer.

Why is UVB so important for sulcata tortoise?

UVB is essential for tortoises to process calcium in captivity. Without it, tortoises develop serious health problems such as abnormal shell growth, metabolic bone disease, and other serious illnesses (See photo below).

How big does A sulcata African spurred tortoise get?

Sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoise or Geochelone Centrochelys sulcata, are the third largest tortoise species. They grow up to 2.5 feet long and 80-110 pounds. Some males will even reach upwards to 200 pounds. Sometimes, sulcatas will reach this size within 5-10 years.

How did the sulcata tortoise get its name?

Need very hot temperatures and a basking spot greater than 100 degrees. The Sulcata Tortoise’s yellowish skin and tan to brown shell make them easy to spot! It also helps them camouflage in their native sandy desert environment. Their other common name, the African Spurred Tortoise, is because of the two or three spurs located on their thighs.

Are Sulcata tortoises easy to care for? Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care. They start off small and cute but grow to weights of over 75 pounds with exceptionally large individuals weighing more than 100 pounds. How do you…