Sulcata Tortoises | The Circle H Boxer &

Sulcata Tortoises, Care, History, Diet, and Rescue

At The Circle H Ranch in Luling Texas, we are dedicated to providing a lifelong safe haven for our Sulcata tortoises, Box turtles and any other large Tortoise that needs a safe, very large place to live out its days. These incredible creatures can typically live for over 70 years, some up to 150 years!! Besides being long lived they can weigh in excess of 100 pounds!! Our commitment is a long-term one that relies on the kindness of our community and family. We have homes lined up for our Tortoises for when we pass. Here is how you can help us continue our work focusing on ensuring their physical and mental well-being.

Donate Supplies: We are always in need of tortoise-safe plants, hibiscus trees, and spineless cactus pads to keep our "living pantry" stocked.
Monetary Contributions: Your donations go directly toward habitat maintenance, specialized veterinary care, and expanding our rescue facilities.
Education & Awareness: Share our guide on safe plants and natural history to help other owners provide the best possible care for their tortoises.
Surrender & Rescue Support: If you know of a tortoise in need of a new home, contact us to see if we have space or can provide temporary assistance.

Natural History of the Sulcata Tortoise AKA The African Spurred Tortoise

Native Origins: They are native to the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa, ranging across the semi-arid Sahel region from Senegal to Ethiopia. Because of this they do NOT hibernate.
Size and Longevity: Also known as the African Spurred Tortoise, they are the world's third-largest tortoise species. They can live for over 70 years or more and grow to over 100 pounds.
Desert Diet: In the wild, they are primarily herbivores, grazing on high-fiber desert grasses, weeds, and select succulents.
Survival Behavior: They are famous for their burrowing, digging deep underground tunnels to escape the extreme heat of the day and stay hydrated in their dry habitat.
Sulcatas need water for 2 reasons, to drink and to soak in. Its best to have a shallow receptacle they can get in and drink and take a mini soak, and then have a deeper container that you can place then in and let them have a really good soak, while being supervised. Don't be surprised when they defecate in the pool, soaking actually stimulates their bowels. Make sure they can always have their head out of the water without straining. Most of them enjoy a daily soak with the water hose.

Sulcata Care & Conservation Guide

Conservation Status: While common in captivity, wild Sulcatas are vulnerable due to habitat loss. By providing a safe haven at Circle H Ranch, we help protect these ancient travelers.
The "Living Pantry": Sulcatas thrive on a high-fiber, low-protein diet. Planting a variety of safe greens allows them to graze naturally, which is vital for their mental and physical health.

Safe Plants for Their Enclosure

Spineless Opuntia Cactus: A favorite for hydration and calcium.
Broadleaf Plantain: A hardy "weed" that is packed with fiber.
Chia & Timothy Hay: Great for young tortoises to munch on as they grow.
Bermuda or Orchard Grass: These should make up the majority of their daily grazing.

Your Garden, Their "Munchies"

Hibiscus (Flowers & Leaves): A nutritious treat that adds beautiful color to your yard.
Dandelions: Entirely edible and very high in Vitamin A and calcium.
Mulberry Leaves: A great supplemental snack from a common backyard tree.
Petunias & Pansies: Safe, colorful flowers that they find absolutely delicious.
Collard Greens, mustard greens, romaine, escarole, endive, red leaf lettuce

Sulcata Tortoise Fun Facts

The "Living Tank": They are the third-largest species of tortoise in the world, often weighing over 100 pounds.
Desert Excavators: These tortoises are powerful diggers and can create burrows up to 10 feet deep to stay cool in the desert heat, or Texas heat!!.
Water Wise: Sulcatas can go for weeks without drinking standing water; they get most of their hydration from the succulent plants and grasses they eat.
Ancient Travelers: Their lineage dates back millions of years, making them one of the oldest living reptile groups on the planet.
Sulcatas can learn to recognize their owners voices and appearances, its great fun to have a 75# Tortoise crawl up in your lap to have its neck scratched.