Sulcata Tortoises for Sale

I have three Sulcata tortoises available for adoption. I originally took them in as rescue/project animals because their shell growth was developing improperly due to inadequate husbandry. Over the past several years, they have been provided with proper lighting, heat, diet, supplementation, and housing to help correct their growth and get them back on a healthy path. Their shells are now significantly healthier, and they continue to develop properly.

Available Tortoises

Dolores (male) $600\

• Approximately 17 inches long\
• Approximately 5 years old

Saki (probably female) $400\

• Approximately 12 inches long\
• Approximately 4 years old

Tortellini (probably male) $300\

• Approximately 11 inches long\
• Approximately 4 years old

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Food Requirements

These tortoises have been raised on a high-fiber, grass-based diet and should continue to receive similar nutrition.\

• Timothy hay available daily\
• Natural grazing whenever possible\
• Kentucky bluegrass is safe and acceptable for grazing\
• Romaine lettuce and other appropriate leafy greens\
• Missouri Tortoise Diet / Grassland Tortoise Diet pellets\
• Cuttlebone available at all times for supplemental calcium\
• Fresh water available at all times

Sulcata tortoises are grazing tortoises and should receive a diet that is primarily grass and hay. Excess fruit, high-protein foods, and improper diets can contribute to health and shell-growth issues.

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Interior Habitat Requirements

At their current size, the following are considered minimum requirements:\

• Minimum 8’ x 8’ indoor enclosure (larger is strongly preferred)\
• Approximately 6 inches or more of coconut husk mulch, coconut coir, or similar substrate\
• Large hide box or humid hide that the tortoise can completely fit inside\
• UVB lighting\
• Basking area maintained around 95–100°F\
• Ambient temperatures generally between 75–85°F\
• Large shallow water dish\
• Tortoise waste should be removed daily\
• Substrate should be completely replaced at least every 6 months, with spot cleaning performed as needed\
• No pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, weed killers, fertilizers, or other lawn and garden chemicals should be used in or around the enclosure

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Outdoor Habitat Requirements

In Utah, Sulcatas can generally be housed outdoors from approximately late May through October, depending on weather conditions.\

• Secure outdoor enclosure with sturdy fencing they cannot see through. \
• Access to shade throughout the day\
• Fresh water available at all times\
• Natural grass and grazing opportunities\
• Kentucky bluegrass is acceptable and commonly grazed\
• Timothy hay and supplemental forage as needed\
• Protection from predators and escape routes\
• No pesticides, herbicides, weed killers, fertilizers, or other lawn treatment chemicals should be applied in areas accessible to the tortoises

Outdoor Night Shelter

Because Utah nighttime temperatures often drop below what Sulcatas require, a heated night shelter is necessary.\

• Weatherproof dog house or similar structure\
• Supplemental heat source during cool nights\
• Shelter temperature should generally remain above 60°F\
• Dry, draft-free environment\
• Tortoises should be brought indoors during periods of prolonged cold weather

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Time Commitment

Prospective owners should plan on approximately 10 minutes per day for feeding, watering, cleaning, and general enclosure maintenance.

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Important

I will not sell these tortoises to someone who does not have prior reptile or tortoise experience, or to someone who cannot provide appropriate indoor and outdoor housing.

Sulcata tortoises are a long-term commitment that can live for decades and eventually exceed 100 pounds. They require significant space, proper heating, UVB lighting, appropriate nutrition, and secure outdoor housing.

Pictures of indoor and outdoors habitats will be required.