Turtle Rescue of Long Island

A few words about Sulcata tortoises (Geochelone Sulcata). These tortoises became popular about fifteen or so years ago. They used to be imported from Africa where they originated. They are no longer permitted to be taken from the wild there because their numbers are declining and they are protected. Ironically, it is just the opposite here in the states. They are being over-bred, carelessly, by some very irresponsible breeders and being sold to anyone willing to buy them with no regard to where they will end up. These tortoises are not meant for just any average keeper. They cannot be kept in an aquarium (not that any tortoise should be). They need a tortoise table or large enclosure to start out with and as they grow they need a reinforced room or heated outdoor shed for colder months with proper uv lighting. Ideally they should not be living in colder climates, but rather in southern climates where they can be outside for most of the year.

 

There is a federal law that prohibits the sale of any turtle or tortoise under the length of four inches. This law is blatantly ignored by many pet shops, expos and online dealers. They will sell a hatchling Sulcata to anyone willing to pay for one. They are cute. Irresistible. Can be held in the palm of your hand. But they quickly grow. In the first year they can grow to the size of your whole hand or more depending on how they are cared for. I've seen them come in here in all shapes and sizes at varying ages. From one and a half pounds at seven years old to eight pounds at nine years old to sixty pounds at seven years old. The variance in size and weight always amazes me.

 

These tortoises are grazers. They should only be fed grasses, edible weeds/plants, hay and good high fiber/low protein greens. No fruit, no pellets, no bugs or worms. All too often we get them in here in awful shape from being fed an improper diet. They often receive incorrect or no UV lighting. Another problem is they are kept way too dry. It's a misconception that these tortoises are to be kept dry because they are from an arid region. People fail to read the part where they spend a great part of their lives in burrows where the humidity is 70% or better, so when housing them it's imperative to also provide some humidity. Keeping them on a damp substrate especially under the basking area is a great way to offer this humidity and just providing a dry area if they want it with a pile of hay in a corner.

 

Sulcata tortoises are the third largest tortoise in the world. They can grow to be up to two hundred pounds. At thirty pounds it's difficult to get these tortoises to go where you want them to go, you can imagine what it's like trying to get a tortoise that is over a hundred pounds to do what you want. They are destructive. You cannot have a beautiful lawn and a Sulcata. They don't go together. You need a reinforced fenced in yard with the fencing dug down because they will burrow down. They will ram gates and fencing breaking them down, so they have to be strong. They eat a lot, and with eating a lot, they poop a lot. Every day. They are very personable wonderful tortoises, but they are expensive to keep, take a lot of time and a lot of work.

 

Often people buy them thinking they will be able to keep them for a few years and then donate them to a zoo or nature center. Not likely. Zoos and nature centers, like rescues, are all overrun with Sulcata tortoises. Just too many of them because of the irresponsible over-breeding and irresponsible selling of these tortoises. Others think they will be able to move to a larger home or a warmer climate in a few years. Also not a good idea to buy a tortoise until you actually make that move. I've lost count of the number of tortoises I've taken in from people that thought they could make that move. Wait until after you make that move to purchase or adopt a Sulcata.

 

For anyone that already has a Sulcata and is looking for proper care information or just more information about them, go to www.africantortoise.com and you'll find that information up to date, accurate and reliable.