Husbandry and Care

While Sulcata Tortoises are hardy creatures, proper husbandry is essential to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some key aspects of their care:

Housing and Environment Sulcata Tortoises thrive in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. In warmer months, they can be kept outdoors, provided it is secure, and they have plenty of space to roam, graze, and dig. For UK climates, it is essential to provide a heated indoor area during colder months, equipped with heat lamps to maintain temperatures between 24°C-32°C (75°F-90°F). A UVB lighting is also critical to their health, as it aids in the synthesis of Vitamin D3, essential for calcium absorption and shell development.

Diet and Nutrition Sulcata Tortoises are herbivores and require a diet rich in fibrous plants. They should have access to a variety of grasses, hay, and leafy greens. In addition, occasional supplements of calcium and vitamins help ensure their shells and bones remain strong. Fresh water must always be available.

Behaviour and Socialisation Sulcata Tortoises are solitary by nature but can be kept in groups, provided they have enough space to avoid territorial disputes. Males can become territorial and aggressive towards each other, so it is generally best to house only one male per group.

Health Considerations Sulcata Tortoises do not hibernate and remain active throughout the year. Routine veterinary care, including annual check-ups, is recommended. They can be prone to respiratory infections and shell deformities if their environment or diet is inadequate.

With proper care, Sulcata Tortoises can thrive in the UK and become long-lived companions. At Lees Court, our Sulcata Tortoises continue to flourish, and their hatchlings are raised with the same level of care to ensure they develop into healthy adults.

Our Giant Sulcata Tortoises

One of the most rewarding enterprises at Lees Court Estate is Tortoise Breeding. Although they are pets, this endeavour highlights how personal passions can be brought to land management. It is a significant part of the wide diversification at Lees Court.

In 2014, we welcomed three Giant Sulcata Tortoises to the Estate: Sydney, Sadie, and Princess. As two breeding females and one male, they have flourished in this environment. Over the past decade, we have hatched over 150 offspring.

While many of these hatchlings still call the Estate home, others have found their way to carefully selected, loving homes where their unique needs are met.

The Tortoises at Lees Court are often an integral part of LEARN

About Giant Sulcata Tortoises

The Giant Sulcata Tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is the largest mainland Tortoise species in the world, native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa. Also known as the African Spurred Tortoise, they can grow to weigh over 100 kilograms (220 pounds) and with proper care can live for around 120 years in captivity. Despite their desert origins, Sulcata Tortoises can adapt well to the UK's climate, provided their environment is carefully managed to meet their needs. However, it is too cold to naturally incubate the eggs in our soil, as a result, the eggs are collected and kept for three months in a temperature controlled incubator, and we are proud to have a 99% hatch rate!

Lees Court Estate Office
Stringman’s Farm
Badlesmere
Faversham
Kent, ME13 0LA