by Cristina Mohr

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: February 12, 2011

I received my sulcata tortoise as a gift from my mother when I was first moving out on my own. She thought having a tank based reptile would be something to keep me company. I love Zoe and I'm glad I have her, but I should have been informed better of the growth and care of a Sulcata Tortoise by the pet shop that sold her to me before the clerk encouraged me to buy her.

The Sulcata Tortoise is from the African Savannahs. An herbivore (no meat!), their diet should consist of 80% greens, 15% fruits and 5% proteins. As a hatchling, the young tortoise should not be introduced to proteins because this can cause their shell to grow improperly. You should always check the nutrients on a vitamin powder and consult the vet before putting the tortoise on a vitamin supplement.

The tortoise needs to be in a desert environment, whether natural or green house based. Even in a natural desert environment, a built outdoor shelter, like a well built oversized dog house that can be opened for cleaning and needs artificial lighting for off seasons. UVA/UVB and a night bulb are necessary.

Sanitizing of environment and the tortoise itself is a must to contain possible spreading of salmenilla. Be sure to use bleach when cleaning the tank/tortoise outdoor house. When cleaning their tank as a hatchling, take them out, rinse down and wash up the tank with antibacterial soap and water, preferrably with bleach in it. Leave a 1:2 ratio of beach in 1/4th o the tank for at least 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing. The tank should be cleaned at least once a week or more depending on the need. I like to you those clorox bleach sanitizing wipes for mid week cleanings. In their outdoor area, clean up all fecal matter as soon as you see it. Pick up all unnecessary debris. For their "doggie house," get separate cleaning tools you'll only use in their area and sanitize said tools with bleach after cleaning. Use a plastic mat on the floor of their house so it's easier to clean. Use bleach cleaners to wash the mat.

This animal is not suggested for apartment dwellers unless you intend on upgrading tanks as the tortoise grows and you intend to move to a home with a yard where you can create an outdoor landscape for the animal with in 2 to 4 years from the apartment rental because this animal will grow up to 2 feet wide! It's suggested that this creature needs least 150 square feet of space to roam.

The tortoise landscape must be separate from any dogs or other pets you might have.

This animal can live over 125 years, so you must consider who would inherit your tortoise with care!

A lovely creature and a great conversation starter, the Sulcata Tortoise is a joy to watch grow! Any children you may have love to feed the tortoise greens!
PLEASE, FOR THE SAKE OF THE ANIMAL AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD, BE SURE YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH AND KNOW WHAT YOU'RE GETTING INTO BEFORE MAKING A DECISION TO PURCHASE ANY TORTOISE! Consult a tortoise owner's manual and a vet before considering this animal! Consider carefully because they are delicate and costly to own!

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