Sulcata Advice

[tatsu+stiggy]

Hey guys, ive been thinking of getting a Sulcata Tortoise. Ive done alot of research about these tortoises but i was wondering what they are like to keep and how much difference there is between other tortoises. I know theres alot of work involved in keeping them but i would like to know if it really is worth it with these type tortoises.
I have a large house and garden and the right equipment to make outdoor living spaces for them.
Any advice would be great, thanks, Dan

[Denise aka Martini]

Hi and welcome to rfuk! Not too sure what u mean by is it worth it? I own 2 sulcatas, obviously because of the size they will grow to they do need a fair amount of food, so you have food costs to consider, then you have heating costs.
People dont realise just how big these beauties do get, they are the 3rd biggest tortoise in the world. they look so cute when they are small, but its surprising how quickly they grow. They are very strong as adults and if they see something they want then they will move heaven and hell to get to it, as ive found out first hand .
But saying that, i adore mine, they are a fantastic tortoise.
If you are keen about having a nice planted garden then a sulcata may not be the best choice, as they love to munch......

[tatsu+stiggy]

Originally Posted by Denise aka Martini

Hi and welcome to rfuk! Not too sure what u mean by is it worth it? I own 2 sulcatas, obviously because of the size they will grow to they do need a fair amount of food, so you have food costs to consider, then you have heating costs.
People dont realise just how big these beauties do get, they are the 3rd biggest tortoise in the world. they look so cute when they are small, but its surprising how quickly they grow. So what you need to be thinking is , have i got a big enough garden to house an adult sulcata. They are very strong as adults and if they see something they want then they will move heaven and hell to get to it, as ive found out first hand .
But saying that, i adore mine, they are a fantastic tortoise

Sorry i know the 'is it worth it' bit sounded a bit harsh but i meant by having those tortoises over any other type tortoise. Im still going to think really hard about getting them, but i really believe that they are the ones i want. Do you also know what age they become adult size as its a bit vague where i have looked online. Thanks

[Krista]

Hi,

Oh you lucky person, I just love these torts buy do not have the outside room for one, nor could I afford them long-term. Horsfields are my limit.

Good luck in making your choice...pics if you do please!!!!

Jingle Bells

[fatfecker]

You are best off going to visit someone that keeps them as adults to see what they do with regards to accommodation. Try PMing someone selling the babies and see if they are willing to give you a tour.

[tatsu+stiggy]

Originally Posted by fatfecker

You are best off going to visit someone that keeps them as adults to see what they do with regards to accommodation. Try PMing someone selling the babies and see if they are willing to give you a tour.

Thats great advice i will try this. Thanks to everyone aswell for the advice much appreciated, will post pics when i get one or 2 of them lol. Thanks

[susannah]

Hiya not sure if you have made p your mind yet but if not I had 14 of them as I bred them they can grow extremely fast my first was 6 ins when we bought him and 12in a year later. I had a full grown male and he was 40-45 and huge he was immpossible to pick up and would come into the kitchen. they destroy gardens and nothing apart fom concrete around your garden will keep them in. you have to be careful what you grow no bulbs at all but they are lovely. and must not be allowed near your red foots at all.

Hope that helps