Reptiles & Amphibians Tortoises

How to Care for a Pet Sulcata Tortoise

Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information

Sulcata tortoise walking on dirt and hay

The Spruce / Elizabeth Head

The sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), also known as the African spurred tortoise, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. They have a brown to yellow shell and very thick, yellowish-brown skin, along with pointed scales—or spurs—on its legs.

Native to arid and semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa, these tortoises can adapt to various living conditions, which is one reason why they have become popular as a pet. However, they don't make ideal pets for everyone due to their long lifespans and specific care requirements. But if you can keep them happy and healthy, they can make for very fun, curious, and friendly companions.

Species Overview

Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise

Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata

Adult Size: 18 to 30 inches long, weighing 80 to 150 pounds

Lifespan: 80 years or more

Sulcata tortoise head closeup

The Spruce / Elizabeth Head

Two sulcata tortoises eating straw hay closeup

The Spruce / Elizabeth Head

Two sulcata tortoises walking outside metal shelter in wired fence enclosure

The Spruce / Elizabeth Head

Sulcata Tortoise Behavior and Temperament

Sulcata tortoises are quiet like all other tortoises, and they are big and slow. They also tend to be curious creatures, sometimes to their detriment. They can easily get stuck in spaces that are too small for them, as well as flip themselves over and be unable to right themselves. As pets, these tortoises are generally pleasant and docile. They're rarely aggressive or territorial. But they still should not be handled regularly, especially when they're younger and more fragile. Excessive handling can cause stress and lead to health issues or even premature death.

Size Information

The sulcata is the third largest species of tortoise in the world. Sulcata tortoises will grow to average 18 inches and weigh between 70 to 100 pounds—but some can get as big as 150 pounds!

Housing

Access to spacious outdoor or indoor tortoise enclosures is ideal for this large species. They need a sturdy fence around 2 feet tall. And because they burrow quite well, the fence should be extended underground at least a foot in an outdoor enclosure. Shelter in the form of a doghouse or small shed is a good idea to provide protection from the elements, and a muddy wallow may be included for your tortoise to soak and defecate in.

Housing adult sulcata tortoises indoors can be impractical due to their size, but you will have to provide them with a warm space if you live in a colder climate. An outdoor heated shed or greenhouse where they can live when it is cool outside can be a suitable option. If you do choose to bring an adult sulcata indoors, you likely will need to dedicate a room to them. 

Specific Substrate Needs

Many pet owners use a substrate to line the bottom of the enclosure. For a sulcata tortoise, the best material to substrate is a mix of sand and soil. This mix is not only warm and allows the tortoise to dig, but it's also environmentally sustainable.

Heat

Sulcata tortoises need hot temperatures to stay healthy and active. They can handle outdoor temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, as long as they have access to a shady spot (75-85F) where they can go if they need to cool off. If the nighttime temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, they'll need some supplemental heat.

Maintain daytime temperatures in a room, greenhouse, or shed where your tortoise resides at around 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit with a basking lamp at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are typically fine. Don't let the enclosure get too cold, or your tortoise might stop eating and be more susceptible to illness like pneumonia.

Light

Tortoises housed in an outdoor enclosure don't need any special light beyond the sun. But when they're housed indoors, a UVA/UVB light is necessary for your sulcata tortoise because they won't be getting regular, unfiltered sunlight. The light will help your tortoise grow strong bones, avoid disease, and stay healthy. Be sure to place the light close enough to your tortoise for them to receive the benefits, following the product instructions. And check when the bulb is recommended to be changed—UVB will stop being produced even if the light continues to turn on.

Humidity

Sulcata tortoises prefer a humidity level of around 40 to 60 percent with hatchlings needing humidity towards the higher end of this range. Have a hygrometer in your environment to measure it so you can change the humidity as needed. Humidity that’s too high can lead to fungal infections and other issues like respiratory disease. If you need to raise the humidity, lightly mist the tortoise’s enclosure once or twice a day. Don't be afraid to soak your tortoise as well—a shallow warm bath for 10 minutes can help with humidity, hydration, and stimulate them to use the bathroom.

What Do Sulcata Tortoise Eat & Drink?

Sulcata tortoises are herbivorous, grazing tortoises that need a high-fiber, low-protein diet. This can be provided by feeding a variety of grasses and hays (comprising at least 75 percent of their diet), along with some edible weeds and flowers, such as dandelions, clover, endive, and cactus pads. Small amounts of other leafy green vegetables are also fine. Avoid foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, mustard and beet greens, okra, and kale.

Your tortoise will nibble on the grasses and weeds in their environment throughout the day, and you should offer a salad of other leafy greens and vegetables every one to two days. Ensure you don't use pesticides in their environment. Know what plants are growing in their space as they will eat anything! Check with your veterinarian to make sure you're offering the proper variety and quantity, as this largely depends on age, size, and health of your tortoise.

Many owners supplement the veggies with a calcium powder once or twice a week (or as directed) or use a multivitamin product daily that also contains calcium. Do not feed fruits, animal protein, or pelleted tortoise foods from the pet store unless directed by your veterinarian. Tortoises get most of their hydration from their food, but you also should include a shallow water dish in their enclosure that you refresh daily.

Common Health and Behavior Problems

 The sulcata tortoise is prone to certain medical conditions, including:

Respiratory Infections

Like many reptiles, sulcata tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, especially if they're kept in environments that are too humid. And like other tortoises and turtles, shell rot is a common problem. This is usually caused by a fungal infection that leads to a flaky, dry shell. 

Metabolic Bone Disease

Metabolic bone disease is another serious ailment among tortoises and other reptiles. When the animal's phosphorous-to-calcium ratio is out of balance, it can lead to softening and weakening of their bones. This disease can cause deformities and eventually death if not treated properly

All of these conditions are treatable to some extent, depending on the disease, by a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles if caught early enough. Don't try to treat your tortoise with home remedies unless recommended by your vet.

Pros & Cons of Keeping a Sulcata Tortoise as a Pet

There are many benefits to keeping a sulcata tortoise as a pet, such as the fact they are easy to care for, friendly, and extremely gentle. They make great pets for children. One con is that these tortoises live a very long time, so a potential owner has to be ready for a life-long commitment when acquiring one as a pet. They also require hot environments and need humidity kept to an optimal level for them, otherwise, they can develop respiratory infections.

Purchasing or Adopting Your Sulcata Tortoise

Expect to pay between $50 and $200 on average for a young sulcata tortoise. Getting a sulcata tortoise from a reputable breeder who can tell you about their health history is crucial. This is an animal you'll ostensibly have for a very long time, so you'll want to start off on a healthy foot. Breeders are fairly easy to find across in the United States, thanks to the animal's popularity.

Look for a tortoise with clear eyes and a smooth shell. And if possible, ask to see them eat. A healthy sulcata tortoise is a voracious eater; if they are not taking food, this could be a sign of illness. Most importantly, be sure you're up to the task of adopting such a large animal that could theoretically outlive you. Many sulcata tortoises are unfortunately rehomed, so you'll need to have a plan in place for someone to care for your tortoise if you're not able to any longer. 

Similar Species to the Sulcata Tortoise

If you’re interested in similar pets, check out:

Otherwise, check out other types of reptiles and amphibians that can be your new pet.

FAQ
  • How quickly do sulcata tortoises grow?

    Quickly! Sulcata tortoises grow to be six to 10 inches long by the time they are 2 years old. They are the fastest-growing species of tortoise and eventually reach an adult weight of 79 to 110 pounds.

  • What vegetables can a sulcata tortoise eat?

    Lots of veggies, at least 20 percent of a sulcata's diet should be various fruits and veggies. After that, the rest of their diet should be grass or hay.

  • How do you tell the age of a sulcata tortoise?

    Despite many old wives tales stating you can count rings on the bottom of the tortoise's shell, there really is no way to tell the age of the tortoise unless you have proof of its existence: For example, if you get one from a breeder and they are however many months old, you can keep track from there.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Desert Tortoise HandlingU.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 2012.

  2. Metabolic and Endocrine Diseases of Reptiles. Merck Veterinary Manual.

  3. Disorders and Diseases of Reptiles. Merck Veterinary Manual.