sulcata tortoise
Spur Tortoise – FAQ
This is the African spur-thighed tortoise, more commonly known as the Sulcata (Geochelone Sulcata). This is the third largest in the world and was very rare 20 years ago but breeders have successfully bred these large, active and friendly tortoises which is advantageous as their habitat in the wild is quickly disappearing.
The spur tortoise can often reach 200 pounds and 30 inches in length. Therefore keeping them in an ordinary enclosure would take some work! Their carapace (shell) is tan in color and has a low curved shape unlike that of the Leopard tortoise. Their back legs have spurs or tubercles (which obviously gives it it’s common name).
It can be confusing when discussing the different species of chelonian so It is often better to use the Latin name for different species. This is true of the ’spur’ as the North African Tortoise (Testudo Graeca) is also called the spur-thighed!
The African originated from north Africa and its habitat varies from desert to grasslands and dry savannas. It a captive environment this adaptable tortoise will require a large area in which to live happily, perhaps 10 yards x 10 yards. An adult will be well suited to living outside (provided the climate is suitable) however, it will dig if you don’t provide adequate hiding places. You will also have to make the walls or fence very secure as these spur tortoises are very strong and curious. They will break through any inadequately built enclosure very easily.
Feeding these species is not too difficult. They like to graze on living vegetation as long as it is the correct type. They enjoy a standard herbivorous diet and a bale of alfalfa hay is also a good source of fibre. It is also advisable to give your pet a vitamin and mineral supplement with calcium/phosphorous ratio 2:1. You could even put a cuttlebone into its enclosure so that it can get extra calcium (this is similar to the ones you place into a birds cage).
If you are thinking of keeping one of these spur tortoises you will have to weigh up all these factors as they require a lot of input from you. They not only need to have an outside enclosure with the essential heating a, lighting and vegetation but also they will grow quite large and will produce copious amounts of waste! This is a serious commitment from you but if you live in the right type of climate and have the necessary resources to provide a healthy home you could think about getting one of these spur tortoises.
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