The Myth Archive

The Origin of This Myth

Many believe tortoises are “desert animals” that evolved to survive without water. While sulcatas are adapted to arid environments, this doesn’t mean they don’t need drinking water.

The Reality

Although tortoises obtain much of their moisture from their food, they do still drink water. In addition, regular soaking helps keep them properly hydrated, as they can absorb water through their cloaca.

Best Practices

• Offer fresh and clean water every day
• If you use tap water, let it sit for at least 10 minutes before offering to allow chlorine to evaporate
• Keep the drinking bowl clean by removing any dirt like sand, leaves, or even poop
• Every week, disinfect the water bowl to prevent bacteria, algae, and other harmful microorganisms

Why This Matters

Dehydration in sulcata tortoises can lead to:

• Kidney problems
• Bladder stones
• Pyramiding (abnormal shell growth)
• Constipation and digestive issues
• Overall weakened immune system

Sources

• The Tortoise Table (thetortoisetable.org.uk)
• Reptile Clinic, Tokyo
• Community veterinary experience

The Origin of This Myth

Some breeders and pet stores claim that pyramiding is a genetic trait, often to avoid responsibility for selling tortoises with early signs of the condition.

The Reality

The abnormal, raised growth of scutes on a tortoise’s shell is primarily caused by poor husbandry, not genetics. While some tortoises may be more susceptible than others, proper care can prevent pyramiding in virtually all cases.

Primary Causes

1. Low humidity - Especially critical for hatchlings and juveniles
2. Dehydration - Lack of regular soaking and fresh water
3. Unbalanced diet - Too much protein, not enough fiber
4. Incorrect temperatures - Temperature extremes can affect shell development
5. Insufficient UVB lighting - Impacts calcium metabolism and shell health

Prevention Strategies

• Maintain humidity levels of 40-60% (higher for hatchlings: 60-80%)
• Provide regular warm water soaks (20-30 minutes)
• Feed a high-fiber, low-protein diet primarily consisting of grasses and hay
• Ensure proper temperature gradients (30-36°C daytime)
• Replace UVB bulbs every 6 months

Can Pyramiding Be Reversed?

Unfortunately, once pyramiding has occurred, it cannot be reversed. However, improving husbandry will prevent further progression and ensure healthy new growth.

Sources

• Reptile Clinic, Tokyo
• The Tortoise Table
• Veterinary research on captive tortoise shell development

The Origin of This Myth

Many tortoise species do brumate (the reptile equivalent of hibernation), leading some to assume all tortoises share this behavior. This dangerous assumption can prove fatal for sulcatas.

The Reality

Sulcata tortoises do NOT brumate. They originate from the hot, arid regions of the Sahel in Africa, where temperatures remain warm year-round. Their bodies are not adapted for cold weather or reduced metabolic states.

What Happens If a Sulcata Gets Too Cold

When a sulcata becomes less active in cold weather, it is experiencing temperature-induced lethargy, not brumation. This is a dangerous state that can lead to:

• Digestive shutdown (food rots in the stomach)
• Respiratory infections
• Immune system suppression
• Organ failure
• Death

Immediate Action Required

If your sulcata becomes lethargic in cold months:

1. Raise the temperature immediately - Ensure ambient temps are 30-36°C (85-97°F)
2. Check heating equipment - Verify all heat sources are functioning
3. Monitor closely for several days
4. Consult a veterinarian if there is no improvement within 48-72 hours

Proper Winter Care

• Never allow night temperatures to drop below 25°C (77°F)
• Provide heated, insulated shelters for outdoor tortoises
• Consider bringing outdoor tortoises inside during cold months
• Monitor temperatures with reliable thermometers

Why This Myth Is Lethal

Many sulcatas have died because owners believed their tortoise was “safely brumating” when it was actually slowly dying from cold exposure. This myth is classified as LETHAL because acting on it can directly cause death.

Sources

• Reptile Clinic, Tokyo
• All Animals Veterinary Hospital, California
• African tortoise habitat research