Can you have an African tortoise as a pet?

Sulcata tortoises, also referred to as the African spurred or African spur thigh tortoise is one of the most common tortoises kept as pets. Hatchings are 1.5-2in in length, but with proper conditions, they can gain 5-10lb a year. Sulcata tortoises in captivity can live an upwards of 70 years.

How big do African tortoises grow?

The carapace of adults averages 18 inches in length, but can be as much as 2 or 3 feet long. These tortoises weigh an average of 70-100 pounds, but can weigh up to 200 pounds. Spurred tortoises have adapted many ways to thrive in extreme heat.

How much do African tortoises cost?

Wherever you live in the United States, and whatever the climate, you can buy your very own sulcata in a pet store for between $50 and $200.

Do tortoises eat bananas?

Bananas can be eaten, and cherries, in strict moderation. These fruits should only be offered in moderation as part of a mixed diet to rainforest species such as the Red footed tortoise and Yellow footed tortoise. Any excess can easily result in diarrhoea.

How long does it take for a tortoise to grow full size?

As hatchlings, Sulcata tortoises are often between 1.5 and 2 inches in upper shell length — still very small. However, within just a year or two, they can very quickly grow to 6 to 10 inches. For people who are thinking about a Sulcata tortoise as a pet, consideration of future size is vital.

How big is a 3 year old sulcata tortoise?

10-inch
Sulcata Tortoise Size You could literally have a 10-inch tortoise that is 3 years old or 10 years old. Many adult sulcata tortoises break the 100-pound mark. However, most of the large sulcatas in our collection aren’t much over 100 pounds, but we do have a few.

How much is a 4 year old sulcata tortoise worth?

Geochelone sulcata is a hardy and personable species of tortoise. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, it became part of the lucrative pet trade during the 1990s. It has an engaging nature, is attractive and sells for anywhere between $50 and $1,000.

Do tortoises bond with humans?

Yes, it can! Tortoises and turtles show affection in different ways than a human or dog would. Tortoises and turtles are very intelligent, so it is not hard to believe that they can form bonds and love their owners.

Do tortoises stink?

Tortoises do not smell bad and they don’t have much of a natural odour. At most, they may smell musty or just have an outdoorsy, musky smell. However, their enclosures can sometimes become breeding grounds for bacteria and other odor-causing organisms if you don’t clean them well enough.

Are tomatoes poisonous to tortoises?

Mediterranean and Grazing tortoises should be fed tomatoes sparingly or none at all. Tortoises should not eat unripe tomatoes, leaves, or tomatoes’ vines since they are toxic. Tomatoes are a good way to offer medication to tortoises by hiding it inside.

What is the African word for tortoise?

The African spurred tortoise ( Centrochelys sulcata ), also called the sulcata tortoise, is a species of tortoise, which inhabits the southern edge of the Sahara desert, in Africa. It is the third-largest species of tortoise in the world, the largest species of mainland tortoise, and the only extant species in the genus Centrochelys .

What is the habitat of an African tortoise?

These tortoises inhabit deserts and semiarid regions in northern Africa . They are commonly found in grasslands, deserts, savannas, and thorn scrubland . Ideal habitats for these creatures have loose enough soil to allow for digging burrows, but not so loose that the burrow collapses. Excessive rockiness can also impede burrow digging.

What does African spurred tortoise eat?

African Spurred Tortoise Diet. The African Spurred Tortoises are herbivores and their diet consists of desert succulents, dried leaves and grass and particularly leaves from the Morning-Glory plant.

What are predators of the African spurred tortoise?

Predators: Hatchlings are predated by foxes, dogs, rats and other like-sized predators. Population Status: Stable. About the Animal: African Spur-thigh Tortoises are one of the largest tortoise species in the world, reaching nearly 30 inches from head to tail.