Buyer question
Is a Sulcata tortoise good for beginners?
Usually not: our Animal Library rates the Sulcata tortoise 2 out of 5 for beginners (outgrows most homes).
Source: the Sulcata tortoise page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Sulcata tortoise in the Animal Library
The detail
Sulcatas, or African spurred tortoises, are the third-largest tortoise in the world, from the southern edge of the Sahara. Hatchlings are small and cute, but adults can top 100 pounds and dig deep burrows, so they are really an outdoor animal.
- Best fit
- Keepers with land and warm climate
- Handling
- 3 out of 5 (Heavy, calm)
- Setup complexity
- 5 out of 5 (Needs land and shelter)
- Feeding ease
- 4 out of 5 (Grazes on grass)
What to weigh
A sulcata can outlive its owner, dig under fences, and needs a heated shelter in cool months. Many are surrendered when they outgrow homes.