Are sulcata tortoises hard to care for?

Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care. They start off small and cute but grow to weights of over 75 pounds with exceptionally large individuals weighing more than 100 pounds.

Do sulcata tortoises bite?

So do tortoises bite? Yes, tortoises do bite. While they are typically very docile and peaceful, they are able to use the strength of their beaks to bite each other, other pets and sometimes humans for a variety of reasons.

What is the friendliest tortoise?

10 Best Pet Tortoise Breeds for Beginners

• Egyptian Tortoise.
• Marginated Tortoise.
• Pancake Tortoise.
• Leopard Tortoise.
• Red-Footed Tortoise.
• Hermann’s Tortoise.
• Indian Star Tortoise.
• Sulcata Tortoise.

Are sulcata tortoises aggressive?

The Sulcata Tortoise species is prone to aggression in certain situations. In most instances, it is males that show the most aggression although females with eggs may ram or snap at perceived threats. In males, they will fight by ramming into each other.

Are sulcata tortoises illegal?

Although it’s legal to keep tortoises as pets in California, owners need to apply for a permit to own desert tortoises that are native to the area. Sulcata tortoises, hailing from Africa, are exempt from this permitting process — but they are not necessarily the ideal pets for every family.

Which tortoise is easiest to keep?

The most commonly available and the easiest to care for is the Spur Thighed (Greek) Tortoise.

How much does a sulcata tortoise cost?

Baby sulcata tortoises for sale at the East Bay Vivarium. Wherever you live in the United States, and whatever the climate, you can buy your very own sulcata in a pet store for between $50 and $200.

Do tortoises like to be handled?

Tortoises do not generally enjoy being handled. Care should be taken to avoid dropping your tortoise whilst handling. They have very strong legs, so support your tortoise firmly at all times whilst handling.

Do sulcata tortoises get lonely?

In nature, tortoises tend to be solitary. Even a very young tortoise thrives without the company of other members of its species. Keeping two or more female tortoises together is generally fine, and keeping one male with two or more females can also work. Your tortoise’s shell is not just armor.

Is my sulcata male or female?

According to Sulcata Station, many sulcata owners are unsure whether their tortoise is a male or female until they witness their tortoise mounting another tortoise or laying eggs. Mating rituals begin with the male circling the female and sometime ramming her with his shell. The male will then mount the female tortoise.

What is the best pet tortoise species?

Number three on our list of the best pet tortoises is the Sulcata (aka the African Spurred Tortoise, the Spurred Tortoise, and the African Spur Thigh Tortoise), which is probably the tortoise species that is bred the most in the U.S. and thus the most readily available as far as captive bred hatchlings are concerned.

What to feed baby sulcatas?

Setting Up an Enclosure for a Hatchling Sulcata. Feed a mixture of dark leafy greens and offer grasses and grass hay. Commercial pelleted grass diets (Zoomed Grassland Tortoise diet) can be soaked in water and also fed. Keep fruits limited to occasional treats. Grasses and grass hay are the best diet for the tortoises.

How fast do sulcatas grow?

Sulcatas get big fast. 1 1/2 pounds in 3 to 6 months, and at least 5 pounds after the first year and then 7- 10 pounds a year for the nextt five years. They get over 80 pounds. Obviously you either build a big enclosure to start, or you will have to enlarge it every year until its about 10 x10 feet.