Sulcata Tortoise Care Guide

Enclosure Size

Your sulcata tortoise needs plenty of space to explore, exercise, and regulate its body temperature. Follow this size guide for proper housing:

• Length: 10x the adult size

• Width: 5x the adult size

• Height: 3x the adult size

• Barrier: 6-12 inches tall, opaque front to prevent pacing

For Young Sulcatas (<10 inches long)

• Minimum size: 8’L x 4’W x 2.5’H (32 sq. ft.)

• Tortoise tables? Not recommended due to difficulty maintaining heat and humidity.

• Outdoor housing? Not ideal for young sulcatas due to predators and climate concerns. Supervised outdoor time is beneficial.

For Adult Sulcatas (>10 inches long)

• Minimum size: 25’L x 12.5’W x 7.5’H (312.5 sq. ft.)

• Best housing: Large outdoor pen with sturdy walls (concrete works best). Walls should be buried 12” deep to prevent digging.

• Climate concerns: If you live in a colder area, you need a heated indoor shelter (e.g., a garage or shed) for winter months.

Housing Multiple Sulcatas

• Best in large outdoor spaces (e.g., pastures)

• Avoid housing males together to prevent fighting.

• Mixed-gender housing? Be prepared for egg-laying, but breeding is discouraged due to overpopulation.

Lighting & UVB

• Sulcatas need bright light & UVB exposure for proper health.

• Indoor setup: Use a T5 HO UVB bulb (Arcadia 12%, Zoo Med 10%) placed inside the enclosure.

• Daylight supplement: Use a 6500K LED or fluorescent light for brightness.

• Outdoor housing: No artificial lighting needed.

Temperature & Heating

• Basking area: 100-105°F (38-41°C)

• Cool zone: 80-90°F (27-32°C)

• Nighttime: 70-75°F (21-23°C)

• Heating setup: Use two 75W halogen heat lamps and, if needed, a radiant heat panel for extra warmth.

• Measuring temp: Use digital probe thermometers at both ends of the enclosure.

• Outdoor heating: If temps drop below 50°F (10°C), provide a heated shelter.

Humidity

• Juveniles need humidity >80% to prevent shell deformities.

• Adults tolerate lower humidity but still need moisture.

• Maintaining humidity: Regular misting, adding water to the substrate, or using an automatic misting system.

• Humid hide: Always provide a moist shelter lined with damp substrate.

• Soaking: Hatchlings need daily 20-30 minute soaks in warm water (85-95°F/29-35°C).

Best Substrates

Sulcata tortoises love to dig! Provide at least 6” of substrate for juveniles and 24” for adults. Good options include:

• DIY mix: 60% organic topsoil + 40% play sand

• Coconut fiber, play sand, or cypress mulch

• Cleaning: Remove waste daily; replace indoor substrate every 3-6 months.

Enclosure Décor

• Enrichment is important! Include items like hollow logs, cork flats, flagstone, dirt mounds, and safe plants.

• A shell-scratching station is a great addition!

• Check safe plant lists (The Tortoise Table is a great resource).

Diet & Feeding

Sulcatas are herbivores that need a varied diet of grasses and greens. Juveniles eat daily; adults eat a portion about the size of their shell.

Good Greens for Sulcatas:

• Grasses: Bermuda, timothy, orchard

• Greens: Dandelion, collards, mustard, turnip, endive, escarole

• Other Safe Plants: Hibiscus, mulberry leaves, nasturtium, opuntia cactus

Foods to Avoid

• NO fruit!

• Limit vegetables (pumpkin & squash as occasional treats).

Supplements

• Repashy Superveggie powder for extra nutrients

• Cuttlebone in the enclosure for calcium & beak maintenance

Water & Hydration

• Always provide fresh water. Use a shallow dish, like a flower pot saucer, sunk into the ground.

• Change water daily and disinfect weekly.

Handling & Interaction

• Sulcatas don’t like being picked up.

• Best way to interact: Offer food, give gentle shell rubs, or scratch their neck.

• If you must pick them up: Lift from below, support body & legs, and handle carefully to prevent falls.

• Always wash hands before & after handling your tortoise.

By following these care guidelines, you’ll ensure your sulcata tortoise stays happy and healthy for years to come!