| SulcataTortoise |
 Spur-thighed TortoiseGeochelone sulcata Vital Statistics: Region of origin: South Sahara, Africa Type of Environment: Arid Savannah, Semi-Desert Avg. Life Span: >50 years Age at Maturity: 15 years Size: 150lbs, 30 in wide Temperature Range: 70-90F, Basking - 95, Cool -65 Humidity: 30% or lower but will be ok at higher levels Diet: vegetarian Housing: Indoor housing can be provided with plastic or wooden tubs. 2’ X2’ is good for a hatchling, adults need at least an 8’X8’ space which is often not practical. Substrate can be just grass hay, or a combination of topsoil and children’s play sand (avoid silica). Cypress bark has also been used. Do not feed tortoises on the substrate as ingestion could lead to gastrointestinal impaction. Sulcatas get most of their moisture from food, but a shallow soaking dish is often recommended. Outdoor housing, predator proof enclosure, keep in mind tortoises do dig, so bury the edge of the enclosure at least two feet deep. There are several variations on outdoor habitats, use your imagination, just look for ways predators could get in or your tortoise could get out and adjust accordingly. Supply a shelter in your enclosure. Outdoor enclosures are preferred as long as climate allows. Feeding: Spur thighs are grazers. They require a high fiber, low protein and calcium rich diet. Do not feed cat or dog kibble. The bulk of their diet should be hay (orchard, timothy or burmuda), supplemented with leafy greens and only rarely fruit. With grazing spur-thighs, avoid ingestion of too much oak leaves, this has been associated with tannin toxicity. Calcium supplement is helpful - if housed outdoors sprinkle powdered calcium on food, if housed indoors use a calcium supplement with D3 added. Lighting: For indoor housing a basking area on one end of the enclosure should be provided to provide and average temperature of 95F. You should also provide a full spectrum light that provides both an UVB and UVA spectrum. Remember that these lights should be replaced every six months as they loose their efficacy. Mercury vapor bulbs can also be used to provide heat and full spectrum lighting. |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|