Sulcata Tortoise

The original habitat of the sulcata tortoise is the semi-arid region of the central African deserts. As such, they are capable of living in a harsh environment. They are the third largest species of tortoises. Even so, they are a popular choice when it comes to keeping tortoise as pets. This is mainly because they have a friendly personality, and make great companions for pet lovers. However, before you go in for the adoption of a sulcata tortoise, take a look at the requirements for its maintenance and care.

Housing
Sulcata tortoises require a warm and dry environment, along with natural sunlight to be able to grow and survive well.

Temperature: Sulcata tortoises require temperatures ranging between 75°F-85°F (23°C-29°C) during the day. At night, the temperature should be lower but not lower than 60°F (16°C). Though they require a warm environment, they also need an area where they can cool down and get some respite from the heat. As such, ensure that there is such an area, such as a shade, for it to cool down when required. During winter, a large, warm (with UVB light) and secure area is required for a sulcata tortoise to survive.

Light: Vitamin D3 is an essential nutrient required by sulcata tortoises, that provides calcium for strong bones and a good, hard shell, which is provided to them by natural sunlight. Thus, it is important to allow them to spend a minimum of 20 minutes in the sun. If that is not possible due to weather conditions such as snow, vitamin D3 can be provided to them through artificial UVB light. There are several bulbs and tubes that are now available to provide indoor heat and help in the development of this important nutrient in sulcata tortoises. These lights should be replaced at regular intervals as their capacity to provide heat and produce vitamin D3 reduces with prolonged use.

Space: Do not keep a sulcata tortoise in an aquarium, as it is a large animal. Rather, create a tortoise table for it, as the ventilation and space is better suited, especially for indoor housing. These tortoises require uncluttered space so they can move around freely. They grow very large over time, and eventually it is not possible to keep them indoors. Creating a secure, well ventilated, and warm shed outdoors for the tortoise is then, a good option.

Substrate: The substrate, or the bedding for a sulcata tortoise, should be one that you can easily maintain. Also, it should be safe for the tortoise to swallow, as it is a possibility. Suitable materials include the orchid bark, a newspaper and soil. Even alfalfa rabbit pellets are safe but they require special attention as they mold rapidly. Avoid substrates such as sand, corncob, walnut shells and wood, cedar and pine shavings as these are dangerous if ingested. Sulcata tortoises also require moisture to prevent dehydration, so their habitat should be able to provide for good humidity. Humidity less than 40% will make it necessary for you to add moisture to the substrate.

Water: Sulcata tortoises, especially hatchlings, tend to get dehydrated easily. Thus, they require sufficient water to not only to drink, but also soak themselves. The bowl of water given to them, should be large enough for them to fit in, without drowning. It should be shallow. Tortoises that are less than one year old should be soaked in water everyday. The ones who are between 1-5 years of age should be soaked 2-3 times a week. The adults should be provided with a shallow water bowl which they can use when required.

Diet and Exercise
You have to be very particular about the diet of a sulcata tortoise, as the foods it cannot or should not eat exceed the foods it can eat. It mainly requires a diet rich in fiber, and low in proteins to remain healthy. Feeding it the wrong food will result in the development of a bumpy shell with pyramids, and lead to health problems that may prove fatal. In addition to this, sulcata tortoises require adequate calcium and vitamin supplements as they grow quickly. The best way to provide them calcium is to sprinkle some calcium carbonate on freshly washed weeds or greens, and feed it to them. This practice should be followed about 3-4 times in a week.

Though they are slow and heavy, sulcata tortoises are known to be very active. Thus, they require a secure area outdoors, where they can freely walk. Do not allow them to walk indoors as they may not only hurt themselves, but damage other objects in sight such as furniture and potted plants (which they may also eat).

Sulcata tortoises are warm and friendly to those who care for them. Especially if they are hand-fed and treated to the occasional petting, they will develop a strong bond with their owner. If you think you are ready to meet the above mentioned requirements, get yourself this lovely, exotic pet today!