Health-Related Information
Hatchling Failure Syndrome -- Some of the symptoms include: Not eating, lethargic/listless, doesn't move around much, eyes tend to stay closed, shell seems to be getting softer. If your tortoise is exhibiting these symptoms, print out this article and take it and your tortoise to a reptile vet IMMEDIATELY!
Where to find a reptile vet -- Most regular veterinarians (i.e., "dog and cat vets") do not have the specialized knowledge of reptile physiology and pharmacology required to properly and safely diagnose and treat sick reptiles. Therefore, if your tortoise is ill, you need to find a reptile-competent veterinarian. You also need to have a vet look at any sulcata tortoise that will be shipped between states.
Moving across state lines with your sulcata tortoise -- If you move from one state to another within the United States, do your research beforehand! There are federal regulations that should be followed, and various states have also enacted specific laws that may prevent you from shipping or moving your sulcata tortoise across state lines.
- Federal Inter-State Shipping Regulations for African Tortoises -- In 2000, the U.S. government enacted regulations that MUST be followed to legally ship any African tortoise (including sulcata) across state lines within the United States. These regulations were passed to prevent the spread of a tropical disease (Heartwater Disease) that can infect cattle, sheep, deer, and other ungulates. The disease entered the United States via Bont Ticks on some wild-caught tortoises imported from Africa in 1999. PLEASE NOTE that these regulations do NOT distinguish between wild-caught and captive-bred tortoises, and as far as we know, are STILL in effect as of 2010. For more information on this topic, visit our Shipping webpage.
- Specific rules for New Mexico (where Sulcata Station is located) -- The NM Dept of Game & Fish has recently enacted an Importation Rule and an Associated Fees Rule that prohibit the general public from bringing sulcata tortoises into the state of New Mexico. Sulcata tortoises are listed on the international CITES I list as an endangered species. They are therefore included in Group IV of the NM Species Importation list. NM regulation now states:
Species importation list group IV may be for live non-domesticated animals that are considered dangerous, invasive, undesirable, state or federal listed threatened, endangered, C.I.T.E.S. appendix 1 or a furbearer. The importation of these species are prohibited for the general public but may be allowed for, scientific study, department approved restoration and recovery plans, zoological display, temporary events/entertainment, use as service animal or by a qualified expert.
Salmonella and Reptile Pets -- It is true that reptiles can carry salmonella. However, good hygiene practices can prevent problems for the majority of reptile owners.
Diet-Related Information
Pyramiding in Tortoises -- What causes tortoises to develop pyramided, bumpy shells? Scientific research is helping us understand this phenomenon and how to prevent it.
Switching Your Tortoise to a Healthier Diet -- If your tortoise is hooked on a diet of strictly veggies and fruit, you must get it to eat grass and other healthy things instead. This technique works on even the most stubborn tortoise.
Fall and Winter Feeding Recommendations -- Sulcata tortoises do not hibernate, so you must continue to feed them year-around. This article describes how to use Grass Hay as a wintertime staple food for your tortoise.
Handouts by Sulcata Station
We've written a few publications for use by sulcata owners, herp societies, turtle and tortoise clubs, and other interested parties. Please feel free to download these publications and hand them out at reptile fairs/expos, pet stores, veterinarians' offices, or wherever a bit of education about sulcata tortoises and their care seems necessary.
- So you think you want a sulcata?
- Sulcata Care Sheet by Sulcata Station
- Sulcata Care Sheet by Marissa Armor of Turtle Homes