The Best Indoor Enclosure for a Sulcata Tortoise

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Sulcata tortoises, also known as African spurred tortoises, are among the most popular and largest tortoise species kept as pets. Native to the scorching, arid landscapes of North Africa, sulcatas grow quickly and can weigh over 100 pounds when fully mature. Because of their size, keeping them indoors especially long-term can be challenging. But whether you're housing a baby sulcata or need a temporary indoor setup during cold months, choosing the right indoor enclosure is essential for their health and comfort.

This guide breaks down what makes the best indoor enclosure for a sulcata tortoise, including size, materials, heating, lighting, and more.

Why Indoor Enclosures Must Be Done Right

A poorly planned indoor setup can lead to:

  • Respiratory infections from incorrect humidity and temperature.

  • Pyramiding (abnormal shell growth) due to poor lighting or diet.

  • Stunted growth from lack of space.

  • Stress and lethargy caused by inadequate environmental enrichment.

Sulcatas need space to roam, warm temperatures, proper UVB lighting, and good ventilation. Let’s look at how to meet these needs.

Ideal Size for an Indoor Sulcata Enclosure

Size is the first and most important factor. While hatchlings can be kept in smaller setups, sulcatas grow rapidlyand quickly outgrow cramped spaces.

🐢 For Hatchlings (0–12 months):

  • Minimum size: 3 ft x 2 ft (90 cm x 60 cm)

  • Preferably a tortoise table (open-top wooden enclosure) to allow ventilation.

🐢 For Juveniles (1–3 years):

  • Minimum: 6 ft x 3 ft (180 cm x 90 cm)

  • Larger is better—sulcatas can grow over 12 inches long within 2–3 years.

🛠 Tip: Plan for the future. Building a modular or expandable enclosure saves time and money.

Best Enclosure Types for Indoor Sulcatas

1. Tortoise Tables

  • Ideal for hatchlings and juveniles.

  • Made from wood with open tops for airflow.

  • Can be customized with partitions, hiding spots, and raised lamp holders.

Pros:

  • Natural-looking and breathable.

  • Easy to modify or expand.

  • Maintains humidity with minor adjustments.

Cons:

  • May need frequent upgrades as tortoise grows.

2. Custom-Built Wooden Enclosures

  • Excellent for juvenile or subadult sulcatas.

  • Can be fully enclosed with proper lighting, vents, and access panels.

Pros:

  • Built to exact size needs.

  • Can be insulated for better heat retention.

  • Easier to integrate heat/UVB safely.

Cons:

  • Requires some DIY skills or a custom builder.

3. Modified Indoor Pens or Kiddie Pools (for temporary use)

  • Works in a pinch or for warm indoor climates.

Pros:

  • Cheap and widely available.

  • Easy to clean.

Cons:

  • Poor heat retention.

  • No vertical structure for lamps.

  • Not suitable long-term.

Flooring and Substrate

Avoid glass tanks, they trap humidity and don't offer enough space. For flooring and substrate:

  • Top Choice: Coconut coir, organic soil mix, or cypress mulch.

  • Avoid: Sand, gravel, or dry hay (can cause impaction or mold).

Keep the substrate at 2–4 inches deep to allow natural digging behavior.

Heating and Lighting Essentials

Sulcatas require both heat and UVB light indoors to mimic sunlight.

✔ Heating

  • Use a basking heat lamp to maintain 95–105°F in the basking area.

  • Keep the ambient temperature above 75°F at all times.

  • For nighttime heating, use ceramic heat emitters (no light).

✔ UVB Lighting

  • Use a T5 high-output UVB tube (10.0 or 12%).

  • Mount it 12–18 inches above the tortoise’s shell.

  • Keep lights on for 10–12 hours/day to mimic a natural cycle.

Enclosure Accessories

Enrich your sulcata’s indoor home with:

  • Flat basking rocks or slate tiles (to absorb and reflect heat)

  • Shallow water dish (easy to access and clean)

  • Hide box or cave (for shade and security)

  • Thermometers and hygrometers (monitor temps and humidity)

  • Low-sided food dish or feeding slate

Final Tips for Indoor Sulcata Care

  • Avoid glass tanks, they’re too small and hold too much moisture.

  • Keep the enclosure clean, remove uneaten food and waste daily.

  • Let them roam (supervised) outside the enclosure regularly for exercise.

  • Gradually increase enclosure size as your tortoise grows.

🐢 Essential Tortoise Supply Checklist

1. Tortoise Food

  • A balanced diet is crucial for your tortoise’s long-term health.
    🔗 Tortoise Best Food

2. Health Supplies & Supplements

3. Habitat Decorations

4. Lighting & Heat Lamps

5. Substrate (Bedding)

6. Food & Water Bowls

  • Safe, low-profile dishes that are easy for tortoises to access.
    🔗 Tortoise Bowl

7. Thermometers & Monitoring Tools

8. Indoor Enclosure

9. Tortoise Apparel (Optional)

While sulcatas are best kept outdoors long-term, a properly designed indoor enclosure can keep them safe, healthy, and happy during their early years or during colder months. Focus on space, heat, UVB, and airflowand you’ll have a thriving tortoise with a strong start in life.

Building the right environment isn't just about pet care, it's about replicating nature indoors, giving your sulcata the comfort it would have in the wild.

Location: United States