Sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, are the largest mainland tortoise species in the world. Native to the semi-arid grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, these magnificent creatures can live for several decades in captivity, reaching impressive sizes of up to 36 inches in shell length and weighing up to 200 pounds. Proper diet is crucial for their health and longevity. This article provides a comprehensive guide to feeding sulcata tortoises, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for a thriving life.
Understanding the Sulcata Tortoise's Natural Diet
In their natural habitat, sulcata tortoises primarily graze on dry grasses, weeds, flowers, and cacti. Their bodies have adapted to thrive on a diet high in fiber and low in moisture, protein, and sugars. Replicating this diet in captivity is essential to prevent health problems and ensure proper growth.
The Importance of Fiber
A high-fiber diet is the cornerstone of a healthy sulcata tortoise. Fiber aids in proper digestion, prevents diarrhea, and reduces the risk of flagellate and worm infestations. A lack of fiber can lead to digestive tract disturbances, making it a critical component of their daily meals.
Suitable Grasses and Hays
Grasses and hays should make up the majority (70-75%) of a sulcata's diet. Suitable options include:
- Buffalo grass
- Bermuda grass
- Bluegrass
- Darnel rye grass
- Western wheat grass
- Blue grama grass
- Fescue species
Bermuda or Timothy grass hay can also be provided, but alfalfa hay should be avoided due to its high protein content.
Read also: Feeding Aldabra Tortoises
Creating a Grassy Enclosure
Ideally, a grassy area within the enclosure provides a constant source of fiber. This allows the tortoise to graze naturally, mimicking their wild behavior.
Supplementing with Flowers and Weeds
Flowers and weeds offer a variety of nutrients and should be included in a sulcata's regular diet. Excellent choices include:
- Hibiscus flowers and leaves
- Wild dandelion flowers and leaves
- Petunia
- Viola
- Thistle
- Chickweed
- Opuntia cactus
- Plantain
- Clover
Safety Considerations
Ensure all flowers and weeds are free of pesticides and herbicides. Avoid picking plants from roadsides or parks where they may be exposed to vehicle exhaust and chemical sprays. Washing store-bought greens thoroughly is vital to eliminate potential toxins.
The Role of Produce
Grocery store produce should only be a small part of a sulcata's diet. Acceptable options include:
- Chicory
- Dandelion greens
- Collard greens (in limited quantities)
- Endive
- Mustard greens
- Romaine lettuce
- Shredded carrots
- Pumpkin
Vegetables to Avoid or Limit
Certain vegetables can cause health problems if fed in excess. Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, and cabbage can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism and should be offered rarely, if at all. Greens high in calcium oxalate, such as parsley, broccoli, kale, and spinach, can bind calcium, potentially leading to metabolic bone disease. While collard greens are acceptable, they also contain calcium oxalate and should be given sparingly.
Read also: Feeding Your Tortoise: A Complete Guide
The Dangers of Animal Protein and Excessive Protein
Animal protein is detrimental to sulcata tortoises and should be strictly avoided, as it can cause carapace deformity. Excessive quantities of beans, bean sprouts, peas, and similar vegetables rich in protein can also lead to scute pyramiding. A high-protein diet can cause rapid growth, kidney failure, and a shortened lifespan.
The Ideal Sulcata Diet: A Summary
The ideal sulcata diet is:
- High in fiber
- Low in fats, oils, and protein
- Rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamins
Mazuri tortoise diet can also provide these essential nutrients.
Hydration: Providing Clean Water and Soaking
Clean water is an essential component of a sulcata's daily routine. A combination wallow and water dish should be provided, even if the tortoise doesn't drink from it often. A large plastic plant saucer set into the ground works well for this purpose. The dish should be cleaned frequently, and the water replaced daily. Juvenile and sub-adult sulcatas should be soaked weekly to ensure adequate hydration. Use a container large enough to accommodate the tortoise, add tepid water that is no deeper than necessary to cover the edge of the carapace, and allow the tortoise to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Avoiding Common Dietary Problems
Several common dietary problems can affect sulcata tortoises, including:
Read also: Feeding Your Desert Tortoise
- Not providing enough fiber: Base the diet on grasses, weeds, leaves, and flowers.
- Providing too much protein: Avoid animal protein and limit high-protein vegetables.
- Giving fruit or other sugary foods: Offer fruit sparingly, if at all, as an occasional treat.
- Not providing enough calcium or the right calcium/phosphorus balance: Ensure a calcium-rich diet and use supplements if necessary.
- Generally overfeeding the tortoise: Control portion sizes and consider the tortoise's activity level.
Calcium and Phosphorus Balance
Aim for foods that have high calcium levels but low phosphorus levels, ideally a ratio of greater than or equal to 2:1.
Calcium Supplements
Calcium supplementation is not always required if the tortoise eats a high-calcium diet. Plants like opuntia cactus, dandelion greens, grape leaves, and mulberry leaves are excellent sources of calcium. If supplementation is needed, choose a calcium supplement that does not contain phosphorus. Rep-Cal is a good option, or plain powdered limestone (calcium carbonate) can be used. Sprinkle a small amount lightly over the tortoise's food regularly.
Foods That Prevent Calcium Absorption
Avoid regularly feeding foods containing oxalic acid, which can prevent calcium absorption. These include spinach, kale, broccoli, mustard greens, and cauliflower.
The Importance of Variation
Variation is key to a good diet. Providing a wide variety of plants ensures that the tortoise receives a wide range of vitamins and nutrients. Growing a tortoise garden is a cheap and easy way to ensure variation.
Understanding Sulcata Tortoise Housing
In order to meet their UV light requirements and maintain normal light cycles, Sulcatas are best housed outdoors in a large enclosure. The concrete or block walls of the enclosure should be sunk down into the ground at least 2 feet as these tortoises are known to dig deep burrows (almost 3 feet below ground and 10 feet long) to escape high temperatures and reach some humidity. Chain link or wooden fences are not recommended because of the Sulcatas’ strength and burrowing ability. It is important to also provide an insulated shelter for protection from excessive heat or cold.
Sunlight and Vitamin D
Sulcatas need Vitamin D to absorb the calcium provided in their diet. The best way to ensure that your tort is getting the required Vitamin D is house your tort in an outdoor enclosure where it is free to bask in the sun at will. Another option is to allow the animal to graze outdoors daily in natural sunlight.
The Role of Fruits and Flowers
Grazing tortoise species such as sulcatas will opportunistically eat sugary foods such as fruits and flowers when they come across them in the wild. These foods make up a small percent of their diet. These foods benefit the tortoise by providing nutrients and dietary variation. If you choose to give your torts fruits and/or flowers, do so in moderation.