Why is my sulcata tortoise not opening eyes?
I suspect your sulcata tortoise can’t — not won’t — open his eyes. Eyelids swollen shut are often a result of vitamin A deficiency. The liver stores vitamin A in the hatchling. As the body uses it up, the hatchling tortoise may show signs of hypovitaminosis A if the nutrient is not replenished in the diet.
How big does A sulcata African spurred tortoise get?
Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata Adult Size: 24 to 30 inches long, weighing 80 to 110 pounds Life Expectancy: 70 years or more
What kind of animal is an African spurred tortoise?
These amazing tortoises, the African Spurred Tortoises (also called the Sulcata Tortoise or Spurred Tortoise) are large, impressive animals. The only larger species of tortoise are the giant tortoises from the Galapagos and Aldabras. The African Spurred Tortoises are outgoing, very tame, and are among the most hardy of the pet tortoises.
What kind of shell does A sulcata tortoise have?
The sulcata tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), also known as the African spurred tortoise, is one of the largest tortoise species in the world. It has a brown to yellow shell and very thick, yellowish-brown skin, along with pointed scales—or spurs—on its legs.
What are the health problems of A sulcata tortoise?
Common Health Problems. Like many reptiles, sulcata tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, especially if they’re kept in enclosures or environments that are too humid. Metabolic bone disease is a serious ailment among tortoises and other reptiles.
Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata Adult Size: 24 to 30 inches long, weighing 80 to 110 pounds Life Expectancy: 70 years or more
What kind of tortoise is an African spurred?
Sulcata tortoises are sometimes referred to as African spurred, and just spurred tortoises. As recently as a few decades ago Sulcata tortoises were rare in the United States. However, they have shown an amazing ability to adapt to various climates and habitats in captivity.
Is the Geochelone sulcata a standing water tortoise?
Standing water is only around for limited amounts of time. Much of it’s range has been disturbed by urbanisation, domestic animal grazing, and desertification. G. sulcata is the largest of the African mainland tortoises.
What’s the difference between male and female sulcata tortoise?
Often with an African spurred tortoise, males are much larger than female Sulcata tortoises for sale. The adult male Sulcata tortoise has a deep concavity in the posterior half of plastron. Also, the male African Sulcata tortoise has long, thin tails tipped by a horny curving spur.
Why are my sulcata tortoise eyes watering?
Eye Watering Watery eyes in tortoises are often associated with a respiratory infection. The start is usually a running nose that has clear discharge coming from the nose. You may notice some bubbles forming at the nostrils, combined with noisy breathing. The discharge will become thicker and more yellow in coloration.
Are African spurred tortoise the same as sulcata tortoise?
The African spurred tortoise is the largest mainland tortoise, easily reaching 30 inches (76 centimeters) in length and well over 100 pounds (45 kilograms) in heft. It is also called the sulcata tortoise, spurred tortoise, and African spur thigh tortoise.
How much land does a sulcata tortoise need?
Sulcata tortoises will do best if kept outdoors in temperatures that do not fall below 50°F. If being kept indoors, an adult Sulcata tortoise will need at least a space of 80 ft².
