African Spurred (Sulcata) Tortoise Care

Introduction

The African Spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), commonly known as the Sulcata Tortoise, African Spurred Tortoise, or Furrowed Tortoise, originates from the Sahel region of Africa along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert. This region includes parts of Ethiopia, Chad, Niger, Mali, southern Mauritania, and Senegal.

Sulcata tortoises naturally inhabit arid savannahs and semi-desert environments. They obtain much of their moisture from the food they consume and conserve water by producing very little liquid urine, developing thick skin that minimizes moisture loss, and digging burrows averaging approximately 30 inches deep to escape extreme daytime heat.

The Sulcata is the world’s third-largest land tortoise, surpassed only by the Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises. Adults commonly exceed 24 inches in shell length and may weigh 150 pounds or more. Most individuals reach full adult size between 10 and 15 years of age.

Selecting a Healthy Sulcata Tortoise

Most Sulcata tortoises available through pet stores are captive bred.

When selecting a healthy tortoise, look for:

Active and alert behavior
Strong appetite
Bright, clear eyes without discharge
Firm shell without soft areas
Clean vent without staining or discharge
No nasal or oral discharge
Quiet breathing without wheezing, whistling, or gurgling

These signs help identify healthy animals and may indicate the absence of respiratory disease.

Sex Identification

Male Sulcata tortoises generally:

Grow larger than females
Have longer, thicker tails
Possess a more concave plastron
Reach sexual maturity at approximately 14–15 inches

Female Sulcata tortoises generally:

Have shorter tails
Possess a wider, rounder anal notch
Reach sexual maturity at approximately 17–18 inches

Both males and females possess large gular projections beneath the neck, although these structures are generally larger and more pronounced in males.

Housing

Sulcata tortoises require:

Clean, dry housing
Fresh food and water
Full-spectrum lighting
Warm and cool areas for thermoregulation
A hide or simulated burrow
Protection from predators and environmental hazards

Juveniles may initially be housed in large plastic tubs before being moved into larger tortoise tables or dedicated tortoise rooms as they grow.

Outdoor enclosures are strongly recommended whenever climate allows because they provide natural sunlight, grazing opportunities, and space for digging.

Avoid fencing made from chain link or lattice, as these materials may injure both the tortoise and the enclosure.

Temperature

Sulcata tortoises prefer daytime temperatures between:

70–90°F

Provide:

Basking area: 85–95°F
Cool area: 65–75°F

Recommended daylight period:

12 hours

Nighttime temperatures may safely decrease to approximately 60°F, although temperatures near 70°F are preferred.

Radiant heat sources such as heat lamps and ceramic emitters are preferred over heat rocks and under-tank heaters.

Use thermometers to monitor enclosure temperatures regularly.

Cold temperatures increase the risk of respiratory disease and poor digestion, while excessive heat may cause dehydration.

Hibernation

Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate.

Although they may experience periods of winter cooling or summer estivation, they remain active throughout the year.

Lighting

Provide full-spectrum lighting that includes:

Natural sunlight remains the preferred source whenever possible.

Indoor tortoises require supplemental UV lighting positioned approximately 12–18 inches from the animal.

Remember that ordinary glass and plastic block ultraviolet light.

Mercury vapor bulbs provide:

Heat
UVA
UVB

The proper distance between bulb and basking area depends upon bulb wattage.

Hydration

Although adapted to dry environments, Sulcata tortoises still require adequate hydration.

Provide:

Warm water soaks once or twice weekly for 5–10 minutes
Clean shallow drinking water at all times

Warm soaks also stimulate urination and defecation.

Outdoor tortoises may benefit from shallow pools or gentle spraying during warm weather.

Burrows and Hide Areas

Hide areas provide security and aid digestion.

Suitable hides include:

Cardboard boxes
Plastic containers
Small shelters
Plastic dog houses for outdoor adults

Outdoor burrows should never flood and should be monitored regularly for structural safety.

Outdoor fencing should be:

Solid
Buried at least 2 feet underground

Substrate

Suitable indoor substrates include:

Newspaper
Hay
Sand
Commercial pelleted substrates

Avoid substrates that may cause intestinal obstruction, including:

Pebbles
Tree bark
Crushed walnut shells
Corncob bedding
Silica sand

Small foreign objects should also be removed from the enclosure because Sulcatas commonly attempt to eat them.

Diet

African Spurred Tortoises are herbivores.

Natural foods include:

Grasses
Hay (Timothy, Bermuda, Buffalo, Fescue)
Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia)
Alfalfa
Clover
Mulberry leaves
Grape leaves
Romaine lettuce
Collard greens
Endive
Dandelion greens
Mustard greens
Occasional fruit

Grazing pesticide-free grasses provides the best natural fiber source.

Spinach, kale, rhubarb leaves, collard greens, and mustard greens should be offered only in limited amounts.

Avoid toxic plants including:

Foxglove
Mistletoe
Oleander
Poinsettia
Rhododendron
Yews

Preventative Health Care

A reptile veterinarian should examine every new Sulcata shortly after purchase.

Routine examinations include:

Physical examination
Body weight
Fecal analysis
Diet review
Husbandry evaluation

Annual veterinary examinations are recommended.

Seek veterinary care immediately if any of the following signs develop:

Shell pyramiding
Soft or flaky shell
Swollen limbs
Diarrhea or foul-smelling stool
Difficulty passing urine or feces
Eye, nose, or mouth discharge
Wheezing, gurgling, crackling, or hissing during breathing
Open-mouth breathing
Poor appetite
Weakness
Depression
Lethargy

Salmonella

Owners should consult their veterinarian regarding Salmonella and appropriate hygiene practices when handling reptiles.