Common Names: Sulcata Tortoise, African Spur-Thigh Tortoise, Spurred Tortoise
Adult Size:
Males: ~180 lb average, up to 200+ lb and 3 ft in shell length
Females: Smaller, usually up to ~2 ft shell length
Lifespan:50–75+ years
The Sulcata tortoise is the third-largest tortoise species in the world and the largest mainland tortoise. Native to the savannas and semiarid grasslands of Central Africa, these tortoises are natural burrowers and can dig tunnels up to 100 feet long to escape heat and find moisture.
While endangered in the wild, they are very common in captivity — to the point that there is now an overpopulation crisis in the U.S. Many well-meaning owners adopt small hatchlings without realizing how quickly they grow into large, destructive adults requiring significant space and care.
If you are considering a Sulcata, adoption of an older animal is highly encouraged. Breeding should be done responsibly due to the number of homeless tortoises needing homes.
Indoor Housing (Temporary for Hatchlings)
Enclosure: Tortoise table, large plastic tub, or Waterland Tub
Substrate: Cypress mulch or coconut husk chip (avoid sand, gravel, pine, cedar, or aspen)
Temperature Gradient:
Warm side: 85–90°F
Cool side: ≥70°F
Night drop: Into the 70s is recommended to help prevent shell pyramiding
Always monitor with digital or infrared thermometers. Avoid heat rocks (burn hazard).
Secure outdoor pen or yard with buried fencing to prevent escape
Provide heated shelters for cool nights; Sulcatas do not hibernate - Click here for information on building a heated shelter.
Expect them to dig and potentially damage landscaping and outdoor structures
Never house males together: they fight aggressively and may injure each other
Provide UVB lighting indoors using a high-output fluorescent tube (10.0 strength) or mercury vapor bulb
Position bulbs within 12 inches of the basking area
Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months (UVB output diminishes over time, even if the bulb still looks lit)
Use a timer to maintain a natural day/night cycle (12–14 hours of light daily)
Primary Diet (Staple)
Sulcatas are grazers— the majority of their diet should be grasses and hays. Ideally, provide access to a safe lawn or grazing area.
Grasses and grass hay (Bermuda, orchard, timothy)
Shrubs, weeds, forbs, alfalfa (plants)
Occasional Foods
Dark leafy greens, prickly pear cactus pads and fruit, squash varieties, bell peppers, carrots, dandelion greens, and a wide variety of vegetables and fruits in moderation.
Rarely Feed
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, bananas, parsley, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and other high-sugar or high-oxalate foods — offer sparingly.
Do NOT Feed
Meat, insects, dog/cat food, dairy products, bread, bran, onions, garlic, mushrooms, iceberg lettuce, pasta, or spinach.
Juveniles (<2 years): Offer softened Mazuri LS Tortoise Diet pellets 2–3 times per week for extra protein and carbohydrates to support growth.
Soak in shallow warm water for 15 minutes, 2–3 times weekly
Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish
Indoors: Multiple hides, including at least one “humid hide” with moist sphagnum moss to promote healthy shell growth
Outdoors: Artificial burrows, shrubs, and edible plants for shade and foraging opportunities
Spot-clean droppings daily
Disinfect food and water bowls weekly
Deep-clean enclosure every 1–2 months using Rescue disinfectant or dilute bleach solution (1 tbsp bleach per 1 cup water). Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry before returning your tortoise
Sulcatas are a lifetime commitment; they can outlive their owners
They require large, secure outdoor spaces and heated shelters
Males must be housed separately to prevent fighting
They can be destructive; be prepared for digging, pushing, and rearranging your yard
Regular veterinary care is recommended to monitor growth, nutrition, and shell health
📞 Call us: 480-530-0370
🌐 Learn more: www.treeoflifeexotics.vet
We can help you set up proper housing, diet, and preventive care for your Sulcata tortoise — and discuss whether this giant tortoise is the right pet for you before you commit.
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✔ Thorough exams and diagnostics
✔ Modern equipment and treatments
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