Sulcata Tortoises: Easy-Care, Fun Farm Companions & Natural Weed Eaters

Introduction

If you’re looking for a unique, low-maintenance farm companion that also helps keep weeds under control, the Sulcata tortoise is an excellent choice. These gentle giants are fascinating to watch, require minimal care compared to many farm animals, and contribute to the natural upkeep of your land. Their hardy nature, quirky personalities, and love for grazing make them a great addition to a farm-to-table lifestyle.

At Bleaves Farms, our Sulcata tortoise, Shelly, has become an essential part of the farm. She spends her days happily grazing, exploring, and enjoying her favorite snack–hibiscus flowers.

Why Sulcata Tortoises Make Great Farm Pets

1. Easy-Care & Low Maintenance

Sulcata tortoises thrive with simple care, making them an appealing choice for farm life. They require:

A Natural Diet: Sulcatas primarily eat grasses, weeds, and leafy greens, allowing them to graze freely in open areas.
Minimal Grooming: Unlike many farm animals (like our Gyspy Vanner Horses and Karakachan Livestock Guardian Dog), Sulcatas do *not* require brushing or bathing.
A Hardy, Resilient Nature: These tortoises adapt well to dry, warm climates and are incredibly tough. Whereas we worry about our fragile chickens during weather extremes, our Tortoise could survive the apocalypse and will most certainly outlive us.
A Quiet Presence: If you enjoy a peaceful farm environment, Sulcatas are silent companions, aside from the occasional thump of their shells against the ground as they roam or hissing when they’re startled. We often lose Shelly and have to hunt to find her, which is saying a lot, because she’s not small!

2. Natural Weed Eaters & Lawn Mowers

Sulcatas are excellent natural landscapers, happily consuming weeds that many farmers and gardeners struggle to control. Their diet includes:

Dandelions
Clover
Bermuda grass
Broadleaf weeds
Mulberry leaves
Prickly pear cactus
Garden goodies, pumpkin, and more!

One of Shelly’s favorite treats is red hibiscus flowers. She eagerly seeks them out whenever they bloom, adding a splash of color and beauty to her daily meals. By allowing Sulcatas to graze in safe, designated areas, they help reduce the need for mowing and weeding, making them an eco-friendly way to maintain your property.

3. Fun & Quirky Personalities

Despite their slow pace, Sulcatas have lively, sociable personalities. They are known to:

Follow their favorite humans around, especially when expecting a snack.
Dig and explore. Providing a designated area for burrowing helps prevent unwanted tunnels in the yard.
Enjoy sunbathing, stretching their legs and soaking up the warmth for hours at a time.

Sulcatas recognize their owners, respond to routine feeding times, and even enjoy gentle head scratches. Their curiosity and determination make them endlessly entertaining to watch.

What to Know Before Getting a Sulcata

Before bringing an adorable little baby Sulcata tortoise to your farm, or even a rescue adult, consider the following:

They Live a Long Time: Sulcatas can live 80 to 100 years, making them a lifetime commitment.
They Grow Large: A hatchling may start out small, but an adult Sulcata can weigh between 80 and 150 pounds or more. We’ve had to find creative ways to move her around, like loading her in a wheelbarrow or sliding her around on a pig sorting board.
They Require Space: While young Sulcatas can be kept in an enclosure, adults need a large, secure outdoor area with strong fencing, as they are capable of pushing through weak barriers.
They Thrive in Warm Climates: Sulcatas do best in dry, warm environments. If you live in a colder climate, a heated shelter may be necessary during winter months.

How to Set Up a Sulcata-Friendly Space on Your Farm

To ensure a happy and healthy life for a Sulcata tortoise, provide:

A Secure Outdoor Area: At least 100 square feet per adult tortoise, enclosed with sturdy fencing to prevent escapes.
A Burrow or Shelter: Sulcatas love to dig, so a designated burrowing area or a safe, dry hideout is essential. Our Sulcata loves her Igloo Dog House and can often be found napping inside.
Plenty of Grazing Space: A variety of non-toxic grasses and weeds should be available for them to graze on.
Fresh Water: A shallow water dish for drinking and occasional soaking should always be accessible.

Final Thoughts: Is a Sulcata Right for You?

Sulcata tortoises are a great choice for those looking for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and unique farm companion. They provide natural land maintenance, are easy to care for, and become beloved members of the farm over time.

If you’re considering adding a Sulcata to your farm, take the time to prepare a safe and spacious environment. With proper care, they can be an enriching part of farm life for decades.

For more farm-friendly pet care tips, habitat recommendations, and Sulcata care essentials, visit BleavesFarms.com. If you have, hope to have, or had a Sulcata, tell us more about your experiences at our BLeaves Farms Instagram and Facebook pages!

For those ready to get a Sulcata Tortoise, here are some great affiliate links to get you started on your journey!

Top Affiliate Products to Get Started with Your Sulcata Tortoise

If you’re considering adding a Sulcata tortoise to your farm, having the right setup is essential. Here are the top recommended products to ensure your tortoise has everything it needs to thrive.

1. Sulcata Tortoise Care Book

Recommended Book: “The Sulcata Tortoise Pet Owner’s Guide”

A must-read for any new or experienced Sulcata owner. This book covers everything from diet and habitat setup to common health concerns.

2. Dog Igloo House–The Perfect Sulcata Shelter

Recommended Product: Petmate Dogloo

A durable, insulated dog igloo makes an excellent shelter for Sulcatas, especially in colder months. It provides protection from wind, rain, and extreme temperatures while giving your tortoise a comfortable place to rest.

3. Heavy-Duty Outdoor Enclosure & Fencing

Recommended Product: 24-inch Galvanized Steel Garden Fencing

Sulcatas are strong and determined when it comes to escaping. Sturdy, non-climbable fencing is necessary to keep them safe and prevent wandering.

4. Grazing & Food Supplements

Recommended Product: Zoo Med Natural Grassland Tortoise Food

Even with access to fresh grazing, a high-fiber tortoise food supplement ensures your Sulcata gets proper nutrition year-round.

Recommended Product: Organic Dandelion Seeds & Hibiscus Plants

Grow your own natural food source for your tortoise. Hibiscus flowers are a favorite treat, and dandelions are packed with vitamins and minerals.

5. Heated Outdoor Mat for Cold Nights

Recommended Product: K&H Outdoor Heated Pet Pad

If temperatures drop, a low-wattage heated pad inside the dog igloo shelter provides gentle warmth to keep your Sulcata comfortable.

6. Large Shallow Water Dish

Recommended Product: Zoo Med Reptile Ramp Water Dish

Sulcatas need constant access to fresh water for drinking and occasional soaking. A sturdy, low-profile dish prevents spills and is easy to clean.

7. Durable Feeder for Calcium & Supplements

Recommended Product: Cuttlebone for Reptiles

A natural calcium source to keep their shell strong and support overall health. Easily placed in their grazing area for them to nibble on as needed.

8. Sulcata Burrow Digging Box

Recommended Product: Heavy-Duty Plastic Sand Tub or Stock Tank

If your Sulcata doesn’t have an area to dig, providing a large tub filled with soil or sand allows for safe burrowing behavior.

9. UVB Heat Lamp (For Indoor Use or Winter Care)

Recommended Product: Zoo Med PowerSun UVB Lamp

Sulcatas need UVB light exposure for proper shell and bone health. If your tortoise needs to stay indoors during colder months, this lamp replicates natural sunlight.

10. Pooper Scooper & Yard Cleanup Tools

Recommended Product: Heavy-Duty Pooper Scooper & Rake Set

Sulcatas may not be messy, but they do leave droppings that need to be cleaned up. A sturdy scooper makes maintenance easy.

By setting up the right environment from the start, your Sulcata will live a long, healthy, and happy life on your farm. Check out these trusted products to make your Sulcata care effortless.