Care Guide

Temperature and Heating Requirements

Sulcata tortoises are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals and rely on external heat to stay healthy and properly digest food. Providing the correct temperature gradient is one of the most critical aspects of Sulcata husbandry.

Temperature Zones

Your enclosure should provide multiple temperature zones so your tortoise can regulate its body temperature:

Hot Basking Spot (35-40°C / 95-104°F)

• Primary heat source for warming up
• Should be accessible but not mandatory
• Use heat mats (like Stanfield) rather than heat lamps

Ambient Daytime (30-36°C / 85-97°F)

• General living area temperature
• Provides comfortable activity zones
• Should have gradual transition to cooler areas

Cool Zone (28-30°C / 82-86°F)

• Allow your tortoise to cool down when needed
• Provides escape from heat
• Often includes shaded areas

Night Temperature (25°C+ / 77°F+)

• Critical minimum - never let temperature drop below 25°C
• Prolonged cold exposure causes digestive problems
• Can lead to respiratory infections

Heat Sources

Recommended: Heat Mats

• Stanfield heat mats are industry standard for Sulcata owners
• Provide consistent, even heat from below
• Should warm from both above and below for best results
• Easier to control than bulbs

Not Recommended: Heat Bulbs (as primary source)

• Dry out the shell, leading to pyramiding
• Can cause burns if tortoise gets too close
• Create harsh, uneven heating
• Use only as supplemental heat if needed

Seasonal Considerations

• Winter: Increase monitoring and potentially add supplemental heat
• Summer: Ensure cool zones are available and watch for overheating
• Indoor housing: Climate control is essential year-round
• Outdoor housing: Heated shelters are mandatory in most climates

Common Mistakes

1. Relying only on ambient room temperature - Not enough heat for proper digestion
2. No temperature gradient - Tortoise cannot self-regulate
3. Heat bulbs as primary source - Causes shell damage over time
4. Not monitoring night temperatures - Cold nights are dangerous
5. Assuming warmer is always better - Overheating is also harmful

Last verified: December 2024

Heating

• Sulcata tortoises are ectothermic (cold-blooded) and rely on external heat.
• Daytime temperatures should range between 30–36°C (85–97°F) with a hot basking area.
• Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 25°C (77°F).
• Always provide temperature gradients: shade, moderate warmth, and a direct basking spot.
• Prefer heat mats (e.g., Stanfield) as primary heat source; avoid using bulbs as heat source.
• Adjust and monitor output regularly to prevent overheating.

Lighting

• UV bulbs should primarily provide UVA and UVB for shell and bone health.
• Do not use UV bulbs as primary heat source — this dries the shell and risks burns.
• Replace UVB bulbs every 6 months; visible light remains, but UVB output declines.
• Avoid red light bulbs; tortoises may mistake objects for food.
• Avoid coil-style UVB bulbs due to risk of eye irritation and injury.

Barrier Requirements

• Barriers should be tall enough to prevent escape and extend below ground to block burrowing.
• Round corners so tortoises follow the perimeter instead of getting stuck.
• Use strong, weather-resistant materials suitable for large, powerful tortoises.
• Surfaces should be soft and smooth enough to avoid shell damage.
• Recommended: Plastic rice field paddy boards (Japanese: あぜ板, “aze-ita”). Durable, flexible, and the wave-like profile reduces shell contact and wear.
• Wood is a common alternative and easy to source, but it will decay over time and require periodic replacement.

Substrate

• Avoid hard, rough materials like pebbles, gravel, or concrete — they damage the shell.
• Choose a substrate that drains easily and is non-toxic and non-irritating.
• Avoid anything that can cause harm or blockages if ingested.
• Never use walnut shell substrate; ingestion can cause intestinal blockages.
• Avoid cedar mulch: aromatic oils release toxic fumes and may cause respiratory irritation; ingestion risks impaction.