Raising the Sulcata Tortoise

The African Sulcata Tortoise got there name from the Latin word Sulcus which means "furrow". Furrow describes the black lines on the scutes (the scales on the shell) of the tortoise. Sulcatas are native to the Sahara Desert.

Sulcatas are known for their sandy-ivory or golden yellow-brown skin and two or more very large and prominent tubercles (or spurs) on the rear legs. The carapace (top shell) is tan to yellow in color in the center of each scute (the external plate or scale of the shell). Each scute is outlined by brown growth rings. The plastron (bottom shell) is light tan to yellow.

The skin of African Sulcata Tortoises is very thick and the legs are covered in dull, spiney projections. The thick skin and spines are intended for protection from predators, but also works like insulation, keeping them cooler in the summer, and warmer in the winter. The prominent spurs on the rear legs serve no observable function according to scientists but, from my own personal experience, they wag when they are happy like a dogs tail.

Sulcatas don't really bark, but they do have a small voice. When provoked, scared or startled they will hiss loudly, and the bigger the tortoise, the larger the hiss. Tortoises do not have teeth but I can guarantee that you would not want to get bit by them. Tortoises have a beak like structured mouth. The ridges are incredibly sharp, and the larger they get, the larger and thicker the ridges on the beak get. My full grown Sulcata could take off any one of my fingers if they ever got in the way.

The Sulcata is surpassed in size only by the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and Seychelles. Not only do these tortoises grow very large, they grow very rapidly - up to two and a half feet long and 80-110 pounds or more in 5 to 10 years. They are the third largest breed of tortoise in the world.

The average Sulcata grows to be 36 inches and can weigh as much as 150 pounds at its largest maturation. The oldest Sulcata recorded lived to be just over 80 years old.

My largest Sulcata is 12 years old, she is just over two feet long, weighs 110 pounds, and stands one foot high. She eats from Spring to Fall about 30 pounds of fruit and vegetables per week (give or take a few pounds) and keeps my lawn perfectly mowed and free of weeds. Every tree is pruned perfectly from the ground up to about 1-1/2 feet high, due to her constant grazing. Needless to say she is healthy and has a healthy appetite.

But how much money does this actually equate to each week? Month? Year? Well its about $40 per week, $160 per month and a staggering $1920 per year; give or take a little depending on your frugality. I justify it by saying, I save that on lawn maintenance per year. :)

Owning a Sulcata can be a lot of work, and make quite the dent in your pocket book. But they are well worth the investment, as they can be a life long friend.

Housing an adult Sulcata is definitely easier than a baby one. However there are a number of things to consider. Your tortoise is going to grow into its habitat. A backyard is significantly larger than a tank, so the first couple of months are going to be crucial. You can expect your tortoise to grow double the size within the first month outside. You also need to consider that the tortoise is going to burrow. You want to make sure that your yard is secure and that your tortoise does not dig out of your yard. For more infomation check out Housing an Adult Sulcata