How to Care for a Sulcata Tortoise and How Much Does It Grow in a Year

Today the editor is going to talk about the Sulcata tortoise. In real life, people are interested in this kind of large-bodied and relatively intelligent animal, thinking that a large body is especially impressive. However, they are also afraid that they will regret it after spending a lot of money, and some people think that this kind of animal is very difficult to keep, and they do not understand how fast it grows or whether it is worth it. So, the editor will solve these problems for everyone. Let us get to know it together!

How to Care for a Sulcata Tortoise

1. First is the choice of enclosure

The enclosure for keeping a Sulcata tortoise must be large enough, because the Sulcata tortoise grows very fast. If you do not want to change the enclosure often, you must prepare it in advance. The length and width of the enclosure should be 6 times the length of the Sulcata tortoise, and it must not be too small.

2. Next is the provision of heating equipment

The heating equipment for the Sulcata tortoise should be of good quality to prevent burns. Commonly used heating equipment includes heating pads or ceramic heaters, which generally do not harm the Sulcata tortoise, and heating can also be done by basking in the sun.

3. The issue of lighting is also very important

When keeping a Sulcata tortoise, we must make sure to let the Sulcata tortoise bask in the sun every day. Sufficient light plays an important role in the growth of the Sulcata tortoise's shell. If the lighting conditions where we keep the Sulcata tortoise cannot achieve this, then we must buy a UVB lamp to make up for it.

4. Humidity must be well controlled

The original living environment of the Sulcata tortoise is the desert, so it likes a relatively dry environment. When keeping a Sulcata tortoise, the air humidity should be low. Generally, the air humidity should be controlled at around 45%, and must not be higher than 60%.

5. Temperature must also be well controlled

Keeping a Sulcata tortoise does not require a very high temperature. Although the Sulcata tortoise originally lived in desert areas, the temperature it likes is around 25°C, so when keeping it we should control the temperature inside the enclosure at around 25°C. A thermometer should be placed near the heating equipment, and another thermometer should be placed in the air of the enclosure for accurate temperature measurement.

6. Then there is the issue of food, which requires special attention

The food of the Sulcata tortoise is grass, such as various pasture grasses and wild grasses. If you pick grass yourself, choose a place with a clean growing environment, and do not pick it in orchards, to prevent the grass from being sprayed with pesticide and causing poisoning after the Sulcata tortoise eats it.

How Much Does a Sulcata Tortoise Grow in a Year

The Sulcata tortoise is a breed that grows very fast, especially when it is around 10 cm. If fed well, it can even grow 1 cm in a year. The growth rate under artificial keeping should be faster than in the wild. It is related to the keeping environment, the amount fed, and so on, but it is not recommended to force-feed. Feeding once every 2-3 days is enough, and feed should be given sparingly, as it easily causes pyramiding. After the Sulcata grows to close to 40 cm, the growth rate slows down a lot.

Why Sulcata Tortoises Are Prone to Stones

1. Among tortoise breeds, the Sulcata tortoise (African tortoise) and the Indian star tortoise are the most prone to stones, and they are also the most common clinical cases.

2. Protein intake is too high. Long-term intake of high protein increases uric acid in the urine, leading to metabolic formation of urate stones and increasing the chance of stone formation.

3. Mineral intake is unbalanced. Taking in too much of the minerals calcium, magnesium, and so on, as well as incorrect calcium supplementation methods, are important causes of stones in tortoises under artificial keeping conditions.

4. Oxalate intake is too high. Excessive oxalate intake is another important cause of stones in tortoises. When foods rich in oxalate such as fruits and vegetables are eaten too much, the amount of oxalate excreted in the urine can increase, increasing the chance of stone formation.

5. Water intake is insufficient. Due to insufficient water intake, the urine becomes concentrated, causing the stone crystals in the urine to be in a supersaturated state and form crystalline sediment, which may further form stones.

6. Natural environmental factors. Hot weather and regions can cause the tortoise's body to lose more water, leading to increased uric acid concentration; an increase in the calcium content of drinking water makes stones easier to form. In addition, insufficient sunlight exposure can also increase the chance of stone formation.

7. Urinary tract infection. When there is an infection in the urinary tract, bacteria can damage the urinary tract epithelium, promote the shedding of epithelial cells and the formation of casts, thereby leading to the production of a stone core.

How to Avoid Stones

1. Be sure to take in a large amount of water.

2. Control calcium intake and avoid taking in too much calcium.

3. Do not feed too much food rich in oxalate, including beans, cilantro, spinach, beets, grapes, strawberries, and so on; take in an appropriate amount of foods rich in VA, which can maintain the health of the urethral lining and also help avoid recurrence of stones. Such foods include carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe, and so on, but they should not be eaten in excess.

4. Do enough exercise to avoid calcium deposition; reduce intake of protein, salt, VC, and VD. For Sulcatas in summer, also pay attention to soaking them in water every day, which also helps reduce the occurrence of stones.

Based on the above introduction, in general, we should pay attention to its living habits in life and implement protective measures for it. The Sulcata tortoise grows relatively fast in a year, changes with time, and the larger it is, the higher its value. Have you learned how to keep a Sulcata tortoise?