Vital Statistics
Body length: Male 24-30 in (60-76cm)
Female 20-24 in (50-60 cm)
Body weight: Male 70-100 lbs(30-45 Kg)
Female 65-75lbs(29-34Kg)
Average life span: 40-80 years
Age of sexual maturity: 5-8 years
African spurred tortoises, also known as "sulcatas", are outgoing, inquisitive and active tortoises that are becoming increasingly popular in captivity. Most of the sulcatas that enter the pet trade are sold as tiny hatchings that will easily fit in the palm of one's hand. However, these small pets quickly grow large, in fact, sulcatas are the third largest tortoise species in the world. Their long life span requires a substantial long term obligation.
The African spurred or sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) is the world's third largest tortoise and is native to the arid savannas, scrubland and desert fringes of sub-Saharan Africa. Reaching an adult length of 2 feet and weighing 120 pounds or more, these tortoises require a substantial amount of space and need extensive outdoor and indoor accommodations. Although starting off as small adorable hatchings, they grow very large and extremely heavy with needs that quickly surpass many keepers' expectations and abilities.
In their natural habitat, these tortoises are vegetarians, feeding on grasses, shrubs and succulent plants. Their harsh environment is sparsely vegetated, and they have evolved to cope with a life where food and water are not plentiful. As a result, over feeding in captivity s a common cause of problems in this species.
African spurred tortoises are extremely powerful animals and are quite fond of digging, necessitating sturdy strong enclosures. They are solidly built with a broad flattened shell, thick golden yellow-brown skin, and thighs adorned with two or three large spurs. Despite the challenges of owing this magnificent giant, its outgoing and generally docile personality as well as its natural beauty have earned it great praise and popularity among tortoise keepers.
Gender
As juveniles, there is little difference between male and female sulcatas. I is not until they reach 12"-14" (typically 3-4 years of age) that they begin to show physical differences in gender. Male sulcatas are larger, have a longer thicker tail that folds to the side, and a wider anal scute angle than females. Additionally, males develop elongated gular scutes and a deep concavity to the plastrom, which the females do not posses.
Housing
The ideal housing for sulcata tortoises of any age is outdoor housing, with natural sunlight and ventilation. For small and medium sulcatas (up to 12") , a pen can be fashioned using railroad ties or posts to form a perimeter fence, with special attention to make it escape-proof, as sulcata can burrow under fencing.
Hiding shelters should be made available within the enclosure to provide shade and protection. The substrate can be a sand/soil/peat mixture or a pesticide free patch of lawn. Shrubs, small trees and ornamental grasses may be used to enhance the pen's appearance. In some areas, the top of the pen will need a secure covering to keep predators out. Bringing the tortoise inside at night may also be necessary to prevent predation or theft.
If an indoor enclosure must be used for a young sulcata, the best accommodations is a glass terrarium or plastic/polyethylene tub. The enclosure should be large enough( minimum 20 gallon tank) so that a temperature gradient can be establish using a basking light, from 90º-95º F (32º-53ºC) on the hot end to 75º-85º F ( 2º4-30º C) on the cool end. Captive tortoises not exposed to natural sunlight will also need a high quality UVB-emmitting light source. Cage accessories are provided by offering cork bark, driftwood, plastic shelters and non-poisonous plants.
Diet
Sulcata tortoises are strict herbivores. In captivity they require a very high-fiber, low protein, low-fat, grass-based diet to stay healthy. The best foods for a sulcata tortoise include mixed fresh grasses, grass hay, clover, dandelion, edible flowers and spineless Opuntia cactus pads.A smaller part of the diet may consist of dark leafy greens (e.g., collard greens, kale, carrot tops, mustard greens, endive, watercress) and other vegetables (e.g., beans, peas) are not recommended. The exclusive use of commercially available pelleted diets for tortoises is controversial but these may be used as a portion of sulcata diets.
Calcium supplementation may be beneficial. Foods or insects should be avoided. Fresh water should be available at all times in an appropriate-sized water dish.
Health Care
Take a newly purchased sulcata tortoise to an exotics animal veterinarian for a wellness examination and fecal check for parasites.
Quarantine new tortoises in a separate area for at least 30 days
Provide a high-fiber, low-protein, low-fat diet.
Because these tortoises do not hibernate, in temperature climates they must provided with warm winter housing.
Allow sulcatas to dig burrows in their outdoor enclosures, which is part of their natural behavior.
Allow the tortoise to have access to water deep enough for soaking to maintain proper hydration.
Provide:
Warm and dry shelter, preferably outdoors, with exposure to natural sunlight
Be secure from predators such as cats, dogs, raccoons, and foxes.
Contain shelter from heat, rain, and other environmental elements
Be escape proof
Indoor enclosures should:
Contain rabbit pellets, paper towel or peat as a substrate.
iIclude exposure to artificial UVB lighting and a basking spot for 10-12 hour a day.
Allow as much floor space as possible with proper ventilation.
Most Common Disorders of the Sulcata Tortoises:
Respiratory infections
Nutritional disorders
Metabolic disease
Shell pyramiding
Soft shell
Injuries
Ticks
Intestinal parasites
shell rot
Abscesses
Having your sulcata tortoise examined on regular basis by a exotic animal veterinarian who is familiar with reptiles can prevent many of the common disorders above
Avoid:
Free roam of the house
cats, dogs, or other predators
hot rocks or direct contact with heating elements or light sources
overabundance of food
cat or dog food
a steady diet of fruits and protein rich vegetables
over supplementation of vitamins or minerals
damp or cold conditions
items that might cause the tortoise to tumble over onto its back
inappropriate items that might be ingested, since sulcatas will swallow almost anything.
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