How do you set up a sulcata tortoise enclosure?

Due to their size, Sulcata tortoises are best kept in an outdoor area. They can be kept there for most, or all, of the year. A desert-type set-up outdoors with a large grass area in the center and dirt around the perimeter is the recommended setting. The tortoise will “patrol” the border, so leave it unplanted.

What do you put in a sulcata tortoise cage?

A glass aquarium, plastic tub or trough, or other enclosures are often used to house young tortoises indoors. Substrates that can be used include aspen pellets, alfalfa pellets, or dirt. They live on dirt in the wild and can live on dirt inside.

What do I need for a sulcata tortoise?

Sulcata tortoises are herbivorous, grazing tortoises that need a high-fiber, low-protein diet. This can be provided by feeding a variety of grasses and hays (comprising at least 75 percent of their diet), along with some edible weeds and flowers, such as dandelions, clover, endive, and cactus pads.

What lights do Sulcata tortoises need?

Like most desert species of tortoise, Sulcata tortoises need a healthy supply of UVB light. Inclusive of the light is a vitamin d3 supplement, that helps them get more “out of the light” so to speak. Using a 10.0 or 10\% UVB lamp is recommended when supplying proper Sulcata tortoise light needs.

How big should a sulcata tortoise enclosure be?

The biggest obstacle owners face is finding an enclosure that’s large enough for their tortoises as they get bigger. Small hatchlings can be kept indoors for their first year of life, and do just fine in enclosures that measure 18 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 12 inches tall.

How much room does a sulcata tortoise need?

80 ft²
Sulcata tortoises will do best if kept outdoors in temperatures that do not fall below 50°F. If being kept indoors, an adult Sulcata tortoise will need at least a space of 80 ft². Zoo Med’s Tortoise House™ is an ideal enclosure to house this species as a hatchling and juvenile.

How big is a 1 year old sulcata tortoise?

A baby Sulcata is born at around two inches in size. Their growth rate will vary greatly based on their diet, enclosure, and environment. Healthy tortoises will reach seven inches at one year old and gain five to ten pounds each year. They are very slow growers and won’t reach their adult size until 15 to 20 years old.

What do tortoise need in their tank?

What set up do I need for my Tortoise?

1. A suitable enclosure.
2. An appropriate heat source and thermostat.
3. An ultraviolet (UV) emitting light.
4. A safe substrate.
5. Hides for the enclosure.
6. Special food and water bowls.
7. Thermometers.

Do you leave a tortoise heat lamp on all night?

Therefore, to promote a healthy lifestyle for your tortoise, it is best to leave the heat lamp on for about 8–12 hours a day. Ensure that you do not leave the tortoise heat lamp on for more than 12 hours a day. This could cause dehydration in your tortoise and lead to several health issues, including a heatstroke.

Do sulcata tortoises need a heat lamp at night?

At night these tortoises require a drop in temperature and darkness. They can drop to around 80oF. The night time temperature of 70oF is created by using a ceramic night bulb. The thermostat will automatically turn on the ceramic heat bulb at night when the temperature in the vivarium drops.

Do Sulcata need light at night?

At night these tortoises require a drop in temperature and darkness. They can drop to around 80oF. The night time temperature of 70oF is created by using a ceramic night bulb. These radiate heat but produce no light.

How do you take care of A sulcata tortoise?

With proper care a sulcata hatchling will quickly outgrow its original enclosure and will need larger amounts of salad every month. Eventually, most sulcatas end up being moved to an outdoor enclosure. Adult sulcatas need a lot of space, at least 100 sq ft of floor space per adult tortoise.

How much space do you need for a sulcatas?

Eventually, most sulcatas end up being moved to an outdoor enclosure. Adult sulcatas need a lot of space, at least 100 sq ft of floor space per adult tortoise. They can be kept as breeding trios of one adult male and up to four adult female tortoises, but there may be fighting depending on the individual personality.

How do you raise a baby sulcatas?

Dr. Johnson keeps sulcatas, and wrote the following guide for our clients who raise baby sulcatas: Most people start off with young tortoises purchased from breeders and pet stores. Young tortoises are often kept indoors for the first few years to minimize risks of escape or harm from cats, birds, and dogs.

How big does a sulcatas tortoise get?

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. Please read the information below on how to properly care for these tortoises.