Diet

In captivity, sulcatas require a very high fiber diet. A lack of fiber can result in digestive

tract disturbances, diarrhea, and can increase susceptibility to flagellate and worm problems. The

feeding of fruit will result in similar problems. Fruit, if given at all, should only be an occasional

treat. A grassy area within the enclosure is best, as it will provide a good source of fiber for your

sulcata. 

Grasses and hays are a critical component of the Sulcata’s diet. Experts recommend that mixed

grasses comprise 70–75% of your Sulcata’s diet. The following grasses are considered suitable

fodder grasses: buffalo grass, Bermuda grass, bluegrass, Darnel rye grass, western wheat grass,

blue grama grass, and a variety of Fescue sp. Bermuda or Timothy grass hay (not alfalfa hay) can

also be provided. This grass-based diet should be supplemented with flowers as frequently as

possible. Edible flowers and weeds that should be included in a regular diet include: hibiscus

flowers and leaves, wild dandelion flowers and leaves, petunia, viola, thistle, chickweed, opuntia

cactus, plantain and clover. Be sure all flowers and weeds are free of pesticides and herbicides,

and avoid picking plants from roadside areas or parks where plants are routinely subjected to

vehicle exhaust and chemical spraying. 

Grocery store produce should represent only a very small part of your sulcata’s total diet.

Acceptable produce includes chicory, dandelion greens, collard greens, endive, mustard greens,

romaine lettuce, shredded carrots and pumpkin. 

Although sulcatas will eat animal protein, DO NOT feed them anything containing animal

protein, as it will cause carapace deformity. It should also be noted that excessive quantities of

beans, bean sprouts, peas and similar vegetables rich in protein can lead to scute pyramiding. A

high protein diet will also cause rapid growth, kidney failure and a shortened life span. 

Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale and cabbage can lead to goiter and

hypothyroidism and should be avoided or provided only on rare occasions. Greens high in

calcium oxalate such as parsley, broccoli, kale, and spinach can bind calcium, which could lead

to metabolic bone disease. These greens should be avoided. Collards also contain calcium

oxalate and therefore if provided should be done so in very limited quantities. 

The ideal sulcata diet should be: high in fiber; low in fats, oils and protein; and rich in minerals,

trace elements and vitamins. Mazuri pellets for tortoises also provide these essential nutrients.

Another essential component of your daily feeding routine is the provision of clean water. A

combination wallow and water dish should be provided even though your tortoise may seldom

drink from it. A large (30”) plastic plant saucer set into the ground works well for this purpose.

The dish should be cleaned frequently and the water replaced daily. In addition, juvenile and

sub-adult Sulcatas should be soaked weekly to ensure adequate hydration. Use a container large

enough to accommodate the tortoise, add tepid (not hot) water that is no deeper than is necessary

to cover the edge of the carapace. Allow your tortoise to soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Tortoises will

generally take advantage of this time to replace their water stores, voiding the old, and replacing

it with fresh.  For a very large tortoise, you may need to insert the container into the ground and

encourage it to enter the water for several minutes.