African Spur Thigh Tortoise
(Geochelone sulcata)

The African spur thigh tortoise is brown to golden yellow in color. Growth rings on each scute appear on the carapace. There are also well-defined spurs on the rear legs, which gives it its name African spur thigh tortoise. The skin is thick which may serve to reduce fluid loss through transpiration. Adult African spur thigh tortoises can reach sizes of more than three feet across and weighing in at 240 pounds. Wild African spur thigh tortoises can be found in the southern Sahara desert region, ranging from Senegal to Ehiopia.

Difficulty

MODERATE to ADVANCED: While African spur thigh tortoises have a great temperment, their large size and lighting requirements make them less than ideal for new tortoise keepers.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Custom constructed enclosure

Substrate, such as:

• Sand/Soil mix

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Under the tank heater
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Because of the size of the African spur thigh tortoise, you will need to build a custom enclosure. If you live in a region that is warm enough, the enclosure can be built outside and they can live outside all year round. A shelter with a ramp should be provided for these outdoor enclosures. When housed outdoors, fencing should extend at least two feet underground because these tortoises like to burrow. If you live in a region with cold winters, an average sized adult will need a six foot by six foot indoor grazing area and a six foot by six foot basking area. If the African spur thigh tortoise does not get enough room to exercise the tortoise may lose muscle mass.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your African spur thigh tortoise's home, since your tortoise will be spending all of its time on it. African spur thigh tortoises like to dig and burrow. It is important to give the tortoise something that they can burrow in. A mix of 50% sterile play sand and a 50% organic soil works well. Hay with newspaper can also be used. Pine, cedar, and oyster shells should be avoided.

Heating and Light

African spur thigh tortoises should have daytime temperatures of 72°F to 85°F with a 85°F to 90°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 75°F. African spur thigh tortoises require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. Heated rocks and caves are never recommended for your African spur thigh tortoise as they can lead to burs

Diet

African spur thigh tortoises are grazers and need high fiber and low protein diet. Mixed grasses, orchard hay, timothy hay, optunia pads and berries, hibiscus leaves and flowers, clove, prickly pear pads, dandelion greens and flower, Dutch clover, rosleaves and petals, sow thistle, romaine, and red leaf lettuce. You can also give mulberry leaves and grape leaves in limited quantities. Animal protein should never be offered to your African spur thigh tortoise and fruits should be rarely offered.