How Big Do Sulcata Tortoises Get – Your Complete Guide To Their Giant

Written ByHoward Parker

Hey Aquifarm friends! We know you’re passionate about creating the perfect habitats for your aquatic pets, from the tiniest nano shrimp to the most majestic discus fish. But we also know many of you are all-around animal lovers, and your curiosity doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.

That’s why today, we’re taking a little detour from fins to feet. You’ve probably seen those adorable, quarter-sized baby tortoises at pet stores or reptile expos and wondered about them. One of the most common is the Sulcata, and the single most important question you can ask is: how big do sulcata tortoises get?

We promise this guide will give you the complete, unvarnished truth. Forget what you think you know. We’re going to walk you through their incredible growth rate, what their final size really looks like, and what it takes to care for one of these gentle giants for life.

So, grab a seat, and let’s dive into the world of one of the largest tortoises on the planet. This is the essential information you need before even considering bringing one home.

What is a Sulcata Tortoise? A Quick Introduction

Before we talk size, let’s get properly introduced. The Sulcata tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata), also known as the African Spurred Tortoise, is the third-largest species of mainland tortoise in the world. They come from the hot, arid regions of the Sahara desert and the Sahel.

Their name “spurred” comes from the prominent spurs they have on their back legs. In the wild, they are incredible diggers, creating deep burrows to escape the desert heat. This digging instinct is something they definitely carry with them into captivity!

Their personalities are often described as curious, intelligent, and even personable. They learn to recognize their owners and will often approach for a snack or a gentle shell scratch. It’s this charming demeanor, combined with their cute-as-a-button baby appearance, that makes them so popular. But their size is a game-changer that every potential owner must respect.

The Million-Dollar Question: How Big Do Sulcata Tortoises Get Exactly?

Alright, let’s get straight to the point. When you see that tiny 2-inch hatchling, it’s almost impossible to imagine its final form. But trust us, the transformation is staggering.

A healthy, adult Sulcata tortoise is a true heavyweight. Here are the numbers you need to burn into your memory:

  • Average Adult Weight: Females typically weigh between 70 to 90 pounds (32-41 kg). Males, however, are the real titans, often reaching 100 to 200 pounds (45-91 kg)!
  • Average Adult Length: The length of their shell, or carapace, generally measures 24 to 30 inches (60-76 cm). Some exceptional males have been known to exceed 36 inches.

To put that in perspective, a full-grown male Sulcata can be the size of a large dog tire and weigh more than a Great Dane. They are powerful, surprisingly fast when they want to be, and require a tremendous amount of space. This is not a pet that can live in a glass tank—not even as a juvenile.

From Hatchling to Heavyweight: A Sulcata Growth Rate Guide

Understanding how they reach that colossal size is just as important. Their growth is explosive in the first few years. This section of our how big do sulcata tortoises get guide will break it down for you, so you know exactly what to expect.

Year 1: The Rapid Spurt

A hatchling starts at about 1.5 to 2 inches long and weighs less than a golf ball. In their first year, with proper diet and care, they can grow to 4-6 inches and weigh around 1-2 pounds. They literally double or triple in size.

Years 2-5: The Teenage Years

This is where the growth really takes off. During this period, they can pack on 10-15 pounds per year. By the time they are five years old, it’s not uncommon for a young Sulcata to be over a foot long and weigh 20-30 pounds. This is the stage where many unprepared owners realize they are in over their heads.

Years 5-15: Reaching Adult Size

Growth begins to slow down but absolutely does not stop. They will continue to gain weight and length steadily, approaching their full adult size. A 10-year-old Sulcata is a very large and powerful animal, often weighing over 50-70 pounds and requiring a permanent, secure outdoor enclosure.

Lifespan and Lifelong Growth

Sulcata tortoises can live for 70 years or more in captivity. Like many reptiles, they continue to grow very slowly throughout their entire lives. An old tortoise is a truly massive tortoise. This incredible lifespan is a commitment that will likely span your own lifetime and may even need to be passed on to the next generation.

The Role of Diet and Care in Reaching Full Potential

A Sulcata’s final size is determined by genetics, but reaching that potential healthily is all about husbandry. This is the core of any good how big do sulcata tortoises get care guide. Providing the wrong diet or environment can lead to serious health issues.

The Ideal Sulcata Diet: High Fiber, Low Protein

In the wild, Sulcatas are grazers. Their diet consists almost entirely of grasses and weeds. To replicate this, your tortoise’s diet should be:

  • 80% Grasses and Hays: Orchard grass, timothy hay, and Bermuda grass should be the foundation of their diet and available at all times.
  • 20% Leafy Greens and Weeds: Dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens, and safe weeds like clover are excellent.
  • Occasional Treats: A tiny piece of cactus pad or hibiscus flower is a nice treat, but fruits and vegetables are too high in sugar and should be avoided.

What to Avoid: The Dangers of Pyramiding

One of the most common problems with how big sulcata tortoises get when raised improperly is “pyramiding.” This is a shell deformity where the scutes (the individual plates of the shell) grow upwards in a pyramid shape instead of staying smooth.

It is caused by a diet too high in protein and fat and/or an environment with low humidity. It’s not just a cosmetic issue; it’s a sign of underlying metabolic problems that can affect their long-term health. Stick to the high-fiber diet to ensure smooth, healthy shell growth.

The Importance of Calcium and UVB Lighting

To build a shell that big, tortoises need a lot of calcium. You should lightly dust their food with a calcium supplement (without D3) several times a week. They also need UVB light to synthesize Vitamin D3, which allows them to process that calcium.

For tortoises housed outdoors, natural sunlight is the best UVB source. For any time spent indoors, a high-quality UVB bulb is not optional—it’s essential for their survival.

Housing a Gentle Giant: Enclosure Size Best Practices

This is where the reality of their size truly hits home. Proper housing is non-negotiable and requires significant planning and resources. Following how big do sulcata tortoises get best practices for housing is crucial for their well-being.

Indoor Enclosures for Hatchlings

While you might start a hatchling indoors, a glass aquarium is a poor choice. They don’t understand glass and can become stressed trying to walk through it. A better option is a “tortoise table”—a large, open-topped wooden box.

Even for a baby, you need a minimum of 8 square feet (e.g., a 4’x2′ enclosure). But be warned: they will outgrow this within their first year.

The Inevitable Move Outdoors

Let’s be perfectly clear: Sulcata tortoises are not permanent indoor pets. By the time they are a year or two old, they need to live outside in a secure, dedicated habitat (in an appropriate climate).

Creating a sustainable how big do sulcata tortoises get setup means planning for a permanent outdoor structure. This is the most eco-friendly and humane way to house them for the long term.

Planning Your Outdoor Habitat

An adult Sulcata needs, at a minimum, several hundred square feet of space. Many experts recommend at least 1,000 square feet (e.g., a 50’x20′ yard) for a single adult.

Your outdoor enclosure must have:

  1. Strong, Secure Fencing: They are bulldozers. The fence must be dug at least a foot into the ground (to prevent burrowing under) and be made of sturdy material like solid wood or concrete blocks.
  2. A Heated Shelter: They need a dry, insulated house (like a large dog house) with a safe heat source to retreat into on cool nights or during bad weather.
  3. Access to Sunshine and Shade: They need to be able to bask in the sun but also escape the heat in a shady spot.
  4. Water: A large, shallow pan of water that they can easily climb into and out of for soaking and drinking.

Common Problems With How Big Sulcata Tortoises Get

We believe in responsible pet ownership, and that means being honest about the challenges. The sheer size of a Sulcata is the root of most issues owners face.

Space Constraints and Rehoming

This is the number one problem. People buy a cute baby without realizing they need a literal backyard to house the adult. This leads to countless Sulcatas being surrendered to rescues that are already overflowing. Please, do not get one if you cannot provide the outdoor space.

Destructive Power

An adult Sulcata can easily destroy landscaping, dig up sprinkler systems, and even damage the foundation of a house with their persistent burrowing. Their enclosure must be tortoise-proofed to protect both them and your property.

Veterinary Costs

Everything costs more for a giant pet. A check-up, medication, or any procedure will be significantly more expensive for a 150-pound tortoise than for a small reptile. Finding an exotic vet experienced with giant tortoises can also be a challenge.

The Lifelong Commitment

A Sulcata isn’t a 10-year commitment like a dog. It’s a 70+ year commitment. You need to consider who will care for the animal if you can no longer do so. It’s a true family heirloom that requires a succession plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sulcata Tortoise Size

How long does it take for a Sulcata to get full-grown?

They do most of their growing in the first 15-20 years, but they never truly stop growing. A Sulcata is generally considered to have reached its adult size by age 20, but it will continue to add weight and a small amount of length throughout its very long life.

Can I keep a Sulcata tortoise in an apartment?

Absolutely not. An apartment cannot provide the space, outdoor access, or environmental conditions a Sulcata needs to thrive. Even a house without a large, secure yard is an inappropriate home for one of these animals.

Do female Sulcatas get as big as males?

No, there is a significant size difference. While female Sulcatas are still very large tortoises, often weighing 70-90 pounds, males are considerably larger and heavier, frequently exceeding 150 pounds.

What is the smallest a full-grown Sulcata can be?

A “stunted” or small adult Sulcata is usually a sign of poor health or improper care (a condition known as “runt of the litter” is rare). A healthy adult female will almost always be at least 60-70 pounds. Any “dwarf” Sulcata being sold is likely a different species or a myth.

Final Thoughts: A Giant Commitment for a Gentle Giant

So, how big do sulcata tortoises get? The answer is, unequivocally, massive. They are magnificent, fascinating creatures that can make incredible companions for the right person.

The key is understanding that “the right person” is someone with ample outdoor space, financial stability, and a willingness to make a multi-generational commitment. These are not beginner pets or animals you can “figure out as you go.”

We hope this detailed guide has given you a realistic picture. Respecting their size is the most important part of loving them. If you have the land and the dedication, you’ll be rewarded with a truly unique and gentle giant for a lifetime. If not, don’t worry—there are plenty of amazing aquatic creatures waiting for you right here at Aquifarm!

Howard Parker
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