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🐢 Sulcata Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) Care Sheet

One of the largest and most iconic tortoise species, the Sulcata is a hardy, long-lived reptile that thrives with plenty of space, heat, and a dry climate.

Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (due to size and space needs)

Lifespan: 50–100+ years 

Adult Size: 24–30 inches (90+ kg possible) 

Enclosure Size: Outdoor pen or 10+ ft indoor tortoise table 

Temperament: Generally calm and gentle, but strong and determined 


🏠 Enclosure 

  • Hatchlings: Indoor tortoise table or large tub setup 

  • Adults: Large secure outdoor enclosure with dry substrate and shaded areas 

  • Minimum indoor space: 10 ft x 6 ft (larger always better) Include multiple hides and raised basking zones

  • For outdoor housing: dig-proof fencing and shelter from wind/rain essential 

🌿 Substrate & Décor 

  • Substrate: Soil/sand mix(best option) or coco fibre—must stay dry 

  • Avoid: Damp or mould-prone materials like cypress mulch indoors 

  • Décor: Flat rocks, logs, hides, edible plants (e.g. dandelions, grasses) 

🌡️ Temperature & Heating 

  • Daytime ambient: 26–32°C (78–90°F) 

  • Basking spot: 38–42°C (100–108°F) 

  • Night temp: No lower than 20°C (68°F), use ceramic heat emitters or radiant panels indoors 

  • Outdoors: Only suitable if temperatures stay consistently warm and dry, or for short periods 

💡 Lighting 

  • UVB: essential for shell and bone health 

  • Use a T5 HO 10–12% UVB or Mercury Vapour Bulb over basking zone (indoors)(multiple when larger) Outdoor sunlight is ideal, but supplement if housed inside 12-hour day/night cycle 

💧 Humidity 

  • Adults: 30–50% 

  • Hatchlings: Require slightly higher humidity (50–70%) to prevent pyramiding 

  • Mist lightly and provide humid hides for young tortoises 

  • Always maintain dry substrate—never soggy 

💧 Water 

  • Provide a shallow, heavy water dish 

  • Soak hatchlings in lukewarm water 3–4x weekly 

  • Adults may drink or soak themselves occasionally 

🥬 Diet 

  • Staple foods: Grasses, hay, dandelion greens, clover, weeds 

  • Occasional additions: Hibiscus leaves, cactus pads 

  • Avoid: Fruit, high-protein foods, spinach, iceberg lettuce 

  • Supplement: Calcium without D3 (5x/week), multivitamin (1x/week) 

⚠️ Handling & Behaviour 

  • Not a “lap pet,” but will learn to follow and interact 

  • Can push furniture, dig, or attempt escape 

  • Strong but usually gentle temperament 

  • Best kept singly—may become territorial with others, especially indoors 

🧼 Cleaning Spot clean daily 

  • Deep clean and substrate refresh every 1–2 months indoors 

  • Outdoor pens benefit from natural cleaning and spot removal

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