Geochelone sulcata tortoise species is the largest terrestrial tortoise species. Adult individuals can weigh over 200 pounds and reach 30 inches from nose to tail length.
They are herbivores and depend on a diet of grasses, succulent plants, flowers and cacti for sustenance in the wild. In addition, they require plenty of liquid.
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Leafy Greens and Vegetables
Sulcata tortoises in their natural state are herbivorous animals and graze on grasses to provide almost 90% of their nutrition, so pet owners should provide regular sources of nutrition such as hay or straw as a replacement food source, in addition to leafy greens and vegetables.
Timothy hay is an ideal option, packed with fiber and moderate amounts of calcium, phosphorus and protein. For even greater digestibility and reduced woody stems try first or second cut Timothy hay from first or second harvest.
Other appropriate vegetables for tortoises include kale, collard greens, turnip greens, dandelions and sow thistles. When feeding tortoises any vegetables high in oxalates (oxalate content), be wary as this can prevent calcium absorption leading to metabolic bone disease.
Fruits
Sulcata tortoises are great climbers, and require ample room to roam and graze freely, as well as having dry shelter for warmth and shelter. Natural sunlight must also be available as UVB is necessary for synthesizing vitamin D3 internally in their bodies.
Sulcata tortoises will eat a range of grasses, weeds, flowers and cacti in captivity; occasionally providing treats of prickly pear pads or fruits as treats – though these should not make up their primary diet. Wild specimens tend to rely more heavily on their food’s moisture content to provide them with adequate hydration than approaching streams or ponds for water during rainstorms – although during periods of extreme rainfall they will often approach these water sources in search of relief!
Seeds
Sulcata tortoises spend most of their time outdoors feeding on tough fibrous grasses that make up 70-90% of their diet. Although they also eat flowers and fruits occasionally, Sulcata tortoises are mostly herbivorous animals.
Captive tortoises should receive a diet rich in greens, vegetables, fruits and seeds rich in vitamins. A tortoise’s diet should also include Bermuda or lawn fescue grass hay on a regular basis along with clover and plantain weeds for digestive support.
Sulcatas require a high-quality substrate in which to dig their roots and help regulate temperatures and humidity levels; ideal options include potting soil, play sand, Rep-Cal or cypress mulch.
Nuts
Sulcata tortoises require ample calcium to avoid long-term health problems like gout, kidney failure and obesity. Therefore, they need to consume foods rich in this nutrient such as oputunia cactus, dandelion greens and mulberry leaves in their diets.
Timothy hay is rich in both fiber and calcium/phosphorus, yet should only be given to tortoises that enjoy eating it. Additionally, any first cut timothy may have woody stems which might displease them. Second or third cut varieties have less of this issue and make more pleasant companions for tortoises.
Your tortoise should not consume legumes, grains or seeds (including quinoa, black beans, lentils or peas ) as these may lead to nutritional deficiency and high blood sugar levels. Furthermore, coriander contains high amounts of oxalic acid which is toxic for tortoises.
Meat
Geochelone sulcata, commonly referred to as the Sulcata Tortoise or African Spur Thigh Tortoise is the largest species of mainland tortoise (not found on an island), growing over 30 inches long and weighing in excess of 100 pounds.
These large tortoises are herbivores, feeding on grasses and hay for sustenance. As such, they require a roomy vivarium that gives them plenty of room to roam freely and graze at will.
They tend to be active during the day but will retreat into cool dens during periods of high heat, often retreating when temperatures exceed 32 degC in order to avoid hyperthermia.
