The Sulcata Tortoise, Geochelone sulcata is native to Africa and occupies a hugh territory across the northern part of the continent south of the Saharah Desert. The land is hot and very dry. During the long summer the temperature climbs to well over 100 degrees F with little or no rain. Yet in this harsh and unforgiving environment, Sulcatas survive. So well adapted and efficient is their digestive/excretory system they are able to obtain the water they need to live from the sparse, impoverished vegetation. They are equipped with thick skin which greatly inhibits fluid loss. To escape the merciless sun and to access subterranean moisture they burrow beneath the arid soil.
True giants of the tortoise world, Sulcatas are exceeded in size only by the Galapagos and Aldabra species. Males can attain a shell length in excess of thirty inches and weigh more than 100 pounds. Females are somewhat smaller. A life span of over fifty years is common. The heavy, flattened carapace features shades of brown and muted yellow and sports distinctly marked scutes. The front legs are massive and well protected. Large spurs decorate the rear legs.
MAKING A WISE PURCHASE
Before buying a Sulcata Tortoise several factors need to be considered. First, realize that these reptiles get big and live a long time. If you reside in an apartment or a house without a yard, this tortoise is not for you. Second, ask yourself if you are willing to devote the time, work, and money it will take to keep the animal healthy. Details are elaborated on later in this article. Read ahead and see what is required.
Now, on to the creature itself. Inspect the animal's enclosure. Is it clean and dry? Next, pick up the tortoise. It should feel somewhat heavy, look alert, and be active. The shell should be hard and free of anomalies. Eyes should be clear with no swelling or oozing and the nostrils should be unobstructed and without any mucus. Reject any animal with sores, ulcers or lumps in the mouth. Finally, check the vent for suspicious-looking discharges. It would be prudent to ask the seller about the tortoise's history, what it's been eating, if he offers a guarantee and any other questions you might have.
HOUSING YOUR TORTOISE
Babies can be kept in aquariums or large plastic tubs. Simply provide larger quarters as the animal grows. Reptiles are ectotherms which means they don't produce body heat. They rely on the environment to supply the proper temperature for their life processes. In the wild this is accomplished by moving into sunlight when body temperature is too low and retreating to shady areas, or into water, or going underground when body temperature becomes too high. By approaching or avoiding the sun reptiles thermoregulate. In captivity, the keeper provides the appropriate environment by establishing a temperature gradient. This is done by locating a heat source at one end of the enclosure. A clip-on "work light" fixture incorporating an incandescent bulb or a ceramic heat bulb works well. The tortoise is free to position itself directly under the fixture to get maximum heat or move away to progressively cooler areas. The basking spot (directly under the heat source) should be 85-90 degrees F and the coolest place in the enclosure, in the low 70s. You'll need to install a thermometer at each end of the enclosure to monitor the temperature levels.
With the exception of snakes and nocturnal species, reptiles require sunlight, or in its absence, a specific wavelength of light from an artificial source to survive. Without exposure to UVB rays tortoises can't produce adequate levels of Vitamin D and consequently can't absorb calcium. This encourages the development of metabolic bone disease resulting in life threatening growth deformities as well as loss of appetite and other abnormal behavior. You will have to provide the UVB emissions. This is easily done with special fluorescent lights available at pet stores handling reptiles. Look for Active UV-heat bulbs by T-REX, ZOOMED's Reptisun 5.0 or iguana lights, or Tetra Terrafaun's DayCycle.
The enclosure's substrate begins with a layer of newspaper to soak up excessive urine or water. On top of this put a mixture of sand and garden soil, preferably with a high peat content, a layer of hay such as Timothy hay which can be found in pet supply stores, or a product such as Lizard Litter. Change the paper and substrate material when it becomes soiled. Water should be provided in a shallow bowl. Change it daily. Be sure to include a hide box for your pet. An appropriately sized cardboard box will do. Larger specimens will need to be moved outside during warmer weather. Dry conditions are necessary and nighttime temperatures should not drop below 70 F. Make sure you have a strong, secure enclosure. Sulcatas are master diggers and can push with the force of small tanks. Include shady areas, a shallow water source, and some kind of shelter (a large trash can laid on its side works) in your design. Take precautions against dogs, cats, raccoons, etc. They can injure and even kill a tortoise.
FEEDING THE SULCATA TORTOISE
In the wild, the preponderance of a Sulcata's diet is grasses and so it should be with pets. High fiber foods are essential. Various grasses and hay can be found in larger pet supply stores. Feed alfalfa sparingly due to its relatively high protein content. Cut the grass into pieces suitable to the size of the tortoise. Feeding excessive protein (Sulcatas need very little) leads to shell deformities (pyramiding) and other health problems. Therefore, do not give these animals cat or dog food. Even commercial tortoise food is improper. Vegetables can make up the remainder (25-30%) of the diet. Sulcatas benefit from the addition of vitamin and calcium supplements. Sprinkle a little on their food once or twice a week. Use the kind formulated for reptiles. Herptivite and Rep-Cal are good choices.
Again, don't purchase a Sulcata Tortoise unless you are prepared to make a serious commitment to care for it properly. It's life depends on your devotion. If you're willing to dedicate the time, effort, and resources necessary to properly maintain this magnificant animal, you will be well rewarded.
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