Maybe a sulcata?

[Bighead]

I am considering a sulcata as my first tortoise. One of the caresheets I found gave a list of the main food items I should feed them. They were all grasses that I don't think are natural to BC. What is the best thing I could feed them. Are hays like timothy and alfalfa too high in protein for them? Is there a good commercial diet? Thanks.

Here's the list I found:


Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides)
Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon -- which actually originated in Africa!)
Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata)
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparious)
Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii)
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Arizona Fescue (Festuca arizonica)
Lawn Fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina)
Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)

I figured I's ask you guys before I looked into more "caresheets"

[Scotty Allen]

The first thing you have to think about is the size these animals maintain and their lifespan. Are you prepared to house a tortoise that could potentially get to the size of a washtub?

[Bighead]

yes

[Scotty Allen]

You might want to invest in this book and do some serious reading about your future tortoise. Gurley, R. 2002. The African Spurred Tortoise Geochelone sulcata in Captivity. This book will answer all your questions. I have a couple of extra copies if you're interested

[marisa]

The other night I was browsing this page, I think it has EXCELLENT ways to know if you are ready, and if you are, some great tips.

Check it out:
http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/sulcataindex.shtml

Marisa

[zhiv9]

I feed my sulcata fescue hay from a local farmer. I tried finding orchard grass, but it seemed to always be mixed with alfalfa. Timothy is not bad, but alfalfa is too high in protein. I also feed, Dandelion greens, endive, kale, collard greens and mazuri(about once every two weeks). Probably the best site on sulcata care is:

http://www.sulcata-station.org

HTH

[Invictus]

Bighead, the "Sulcatta reality check" on the page Marisa posted is awesome. Do you literally have a backyard-sized enclosure which the tort can create burrows in? Are you prepared to spend possibly hundreds of dollars PER WEEK to feed it? Also, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?

[Wu-Gwei]

I have to agree with others about the choice of a sulcatta. It's a great tort and very popular and relatively easy to keep, but like any turtle or tort, it is a lifelong project. Although, it may take until you're 50 years old before it starts taking up your whole basement, and eating you out of hosue and home. I still think it is not a good pet for the average person.

I was blasted and insulted last year by a fellow keeper for discouraging a sulcatta as a pet and that they get huge, but some people feel it is within their capabilities and 20-30 years is a long time away.

If you really want a bigger tort, you can look into a leopard tort. Not quite as big a sulcatta, but can get pretty big as well.


Cheers,
JJ;)

[red bootz]

Everything that goes in must come out. Are you ready to be picking up some HUGE pieces? Not only will you need a large outdoor enclosure, you will need an indoor winter enclosure as well. Imagine what that will cost to heat. And the possible damage they can do to your house. Tortoises are active animals so they will not be content in a small enclosure. I don't think anybody is discouraging you to get into sulcata's. But it is definately an undertaking to consider very seriously. PLEASE consider what everyone here has said, and if you still think you are ready then, good luck. I hope all works out as you planned.

[Bighead]

Thank you for all of your input. I should have stated more clearly that I am still in the process of deciding whether or not it is a good idea. I am still gathering all the information I will need and I assure you I will make an educated and wise decision before (and if) I purchase one. I own a home with quite a bit of land and a small barn. I don't live there at the moment, but that's a long story. I will be moving there this summer. My biggest concern, as well as my fiance's, is committing to staying at this home, or if not, buying our next home with the land to take care of such a large animal- oh, and moving one, as it's probably not going to be as easy as my goats, pigs, and horse. I am prepared to pay for heating the enclosure and building an escape-proof one. As far as paying hundreds of dollars per week for food, I am having trouble seeing how this adds up. A bale of timothy and various other hays runs $9-$18. Dandilion, kale, collard greens, etc. are all veggies i feed to my beardies and they usually don't run more than a couple bucks for a bunch. I understand that a 250 pound tortoise could eat a bunch of kale in about two bites, but I still don't see it being that expensive. If it is, please correct me. How much do you guys spend on yours? How big/old are they? Cleaning, etc. I understand and I figure it will be a little like cleaning up after my horse with a little more sanitization.
Again, I am not saying I'm getting one. I would appreciate any more information you would like to share with me. I checked out both of the links in previous searches and they were the two best ones I found. Thank you for your input. I understand your concern and I don't take it for granted. I will let you know what I decide.

[elfomatic]

in response to your original post, commercial diets can be used sometimes with sulcatas but it is generally not recommended because of too much protein. like everyone else said, natural grasses are the best way to go.

[Invictus]

Does anyone have a picture of themselves with a fully grown sulcatta? This is something I'd love to see.

[marisa]

If you look on the link I posted there are a few pics with people, and a good "article" about transporting two sulcatta's (i think 150 pounds EACH) in a van which gives some size refferance.

They are truely impressive creatures.

Bighead- I am not a sulcata owner as I cannot provide the proper home, BUT I also cannot imagine it taking "hundreds" of dollars per week....ESPECIALLY if you buy from a farmers market. If you are buying from a super market, hahha maybe! But a farmers market....I can see you getting enough fresh produce for less than 100 a week. We buy MASSIVE amounts of winter squashes from a Farmers Market. Usually the butternut we get is two FEET long, and we pay1 dollar for each :D :D

It sounds like you are taking this very seriously and its especially nice to see you realize the people here are just nervous about people buying these animals and trying to give you good advice, not steer you away. With proper research, proper land and financial availability, you can most certaintly own one! :D

Marisa