The Sulcata or African spurred tortoise (Centrochelys sulcata) is the most popular ‘giant’ pet tortoise by a large margin. It is the largest species of tortoise in mainland Africa, measuring 18 to 30 inches long and weighing up to 100 pounds or more at maturity.
In the pet world, size comes at a price. Sulcata tortoises are expensive to house and care for—not to mention that a healthy tortoise can live for 100 years.
To help buyers understand sulcata tortoise prices, I broken down the average lifetime costs for both obtaining and caring for this species. This is aimed at preparing you for the financial costs of owning one of these amazing tortoises.
Factors That Influence Price
Older (i.e., bigger) tortoises tend to cost more for a couple of reasons. The first is that raising a tortoise for several years costs a lot more than caring for a new hatchling. The second is that adult tortoises are less likely to develop sudden health issues, so they are considered a better ‘investment’.
Beware of Sulcata tortoises for sale that are much cheaper than they should be. These tortoises are very likely products of the illegal pet trade or unethical breeding. Suspiciously cheap tortoises may also have health problems that the seller refuses to disclose.
For the safety of yourself and your future tortoise, do your research to determine which breeders or rescues near you are the most trustworthy. While you don’t want to pay more than the tortoise is worth, you also don’t want to fall for a scam by hunting a deal.
Price Range for Hatchlings to Adults
Sulcata tortoise hatchlings commonly cost $100 to $300 from a breeder. High-demand breeders (who typically follow strict breeding protocols and produce the healthiest tortoises) may charge up to $500. Many popular breeders keep wait lists.
A young tortoise that is a few years old may cost $300 to $600 or more, depending on the seller. While a bit pricier than a baby tortoise, I highly recommend purchasing one of these juvenile animals if you aren’t experienced with hatchling care.
Healthy, full-grown Sulcata tortoises frequently cost $2,000 to $4,000. Again, the quality and reputation of the breeder have a big influence on the final price.
If you’re purchasing a Sulcata tortoise from a non-local seller, remember to account for shipping costs as well. The cost to safely ship a live reptile as large as a Sulcata tortoise can sometimes cost as much as the tortoise itself!
Comparing Prices: Breeders vs. Rescues
In the previous section, I broke down the average pricing for hatchling, juvenile, and adult Sulcata tortoises purchased directly from the breeder. But that’s not the only way to get your hands on one of these gentle giants.
There are several tortoise rescues in the United States and even more around the world. These organizations work to re-home tortoises who, for one reason or another, can’t stay in their current home.
Re-homing and adoption fees vary greatly from one rescue to another. Most charge $50 to $200 for a simple re-home. Others charge up to $500.
Some pet rescues rely entirely on donations. While there may not be a set price to adopt a tortoise from one of these rescues, a monetary donation is highly encouraged (and will allow the rescue to continue supporting other tortoises in need).
Adopting a tortoise is a great way to make a difference for an animal who is likely going through a stressful transition period. Keep in mind, however, that these tortoises aren’t guaranteed to be healthy or well-bred. As with choosing a breeder, I highly recommend researching your chosen rescue to ensure they have the animal’s best interests in mind.
Long-term Ownership Costs
The cost of purchasing or adopting a Sulcata tortoise is only part of the final price tag. Tortoise owners can and will accrue a variety of costs, including paying for things like housing, food, and regular vet visits.
Habitat Setup
Most Sulcata tortoises live outdoors. They need a good amount of space (at least 80 to 100 square feet per tortoise) and will happily spend all day outside in warm, arid climates.
A basic outdoor enclosure can easily cost $1,000 for the initial setup. A proper shelter (for cool or otherwise poor weather) can add up to another $1,000.
Indoor enclosures can cost a bit less, especially if you go the DIY route. However, you should still expect to spend a few hundred dollars on materials and supplies for your new companion.
Included in these estimates are must-have supplies like basking lamps, UVA/UVB lights, substrate, and small boulders. The final cost of your tortoise enclosure will depend on its size and the quality of accessories.
Don’t forget the potential costs to transport your tortoise to and from its enclosure. Are you able to lift and carry your tortoise if necessary? If not, what kind of tools do you need to purchase to safely do so? (Don’t wait to invest in proper transportation equipment. You never know when you’ll need to quickly move your tortoise in an emergency!)
Ongoing Care Expenses
Food is the biggest consistent cost of owning a giant tortoise. As with everything I’ve mentioned in this article, exact costs can vary depending on where you live and what exactly you’re feeding.
According to the California Turtle & Tortoise Club, the monthly cost of owning a Sulcata tortoise in 1993 was between $20 and $50. With today’s prices, I recommend a minimum monthly budget of $100 to cover food and routine supplements.
Vet costs can range from $50 to $200 for a basic checkup. Any additional tests or treatments (e.g., de-wormer) will cost more. Costs can vary greatly from one vet to another.
There may not be an exotic veterinary clinic in your area. If that’s the case, you’ll also need to account for transportation costs to get your tortoise to and from the vet.
Most of the cost of substrate will be part of your initial enclosure setup. However, you will eventually need to ‘top up’ the substrate to keep it fresh. I recommend keeping some substrate on hand at all times and replenishing your backstock as you use it.
Budgeting for Your New Tortoise
Adopting or purchasing a Sulcata tortoise isn’t something one should rush into. This means you have a bit of time to plan out your budget before bringing your new companion home.
The cost of purchasing or adopting a tortoise is the most straightforward expense. Once you decide which breeder or rescue you’d like to work with, you can easily set aside the necessary money.
Setting up an appropriate enclosure is the next step. This is another fairly straightforward expense. You may choose to purchase everything you need just before you bring your new tortoise home or collect items over time to help spread out the cost.
It’s no secret that a tortoise is a long-term (sometimes lifelong) companion. Before getting a Sulcata tortoise of your own, think about what your life could look like in 5, 10, 20, or 50 years. Remember that you’re agreeing to spend at least $100 per month to feed and care for your tortoise for the rest of its life.
In some cases, a tortoise may outlive its original owner. It’s not fun to think about, but you may eventually need to consider how your tortoise will be cared for when you are no longer here. This can involve setting aside extra money as part of your estate plan.
Citations
- San Diego Zoo African Spurred Tortoise
- California Turtle & Tortoise Club Living with Sulcata
- The Wall Street Journal Tortoise Estate Planning
