Caring for a Sulcata tortoise (also known as the African spurred tortoise) in the UK requires careful planning because they originate from the hot, arid regions of Africa and the UK’s climate is much cooler and wetter. Here’s a detailed care guide tailored to UK conditions:
 
 
 
 
🐢 Sulcata Tortoise Care in the UK
 
 
 
🏡 Housing
 
 
Indoors (for most of the year):
Provide a large tortoise table (not a glass vivarium) to allow proper air circulation.
The enclosure should be at least 8ft x 4ft for an adult, but bigger is better.
Use topsoil or a soil/sand mix for substrate (avoid anything with fertilizers or perlite).
Include hides, logs, and rocks for enrichment.
 
Outdoors (summer months only):
Secure, escape-proof outdoor pen with access to sunlight.
Dry, insulated tortoise house with a heat source for chilly nights.
Avoid damp conditions – Sulcatas are prone to shell rot and respiratory issues in wet environments.
 
 
 
 
🌡️ Heating & Lighting
 
 
UVB lighting (12% T5 tube) for 10–12 hours/day to help with calcium absorption.
Basking spot should reach 35–40°C, with the cooler end of the enclosure around 25°C.
Nighttime temps can drop to 18–20°C, but not lower.
Use ceramic heat emitters (CHE) for overnight heating if necessary.
 
 
 
🥬 Diet
 
 
High-fibre, low-protein diet.
Main diet: grasses, hay (like Timothy or meadow hay), weeds (dandelions, plantain, clover).
Occasional additions: cactus pads, hibiscus leaves/flowers.
Avoid: fruit, high-sugar veg (tomatoes, carrots), spinach, iceberg lettuce.
Always provide cuttlefish bone for calcium and clean drinking water.
 
 
 
⚖️ Growth & Size
 
 
Sulcatas are one of the largest tortoise species, reaching 30–50 kg and up to 30 inches long.
They grow quickly and need space to roam, so long-term planning is essential.
 
 
 
🐾 Health & Maintenance
 
 
Regularly check for shell softness, runny nose, swollen eyes, and weight loss.
Annual vet check-ups with a reptile specialist are recommended.
Sulcatas can live 50–70 years, so they are a lifelong commitment.