A good Sulcata yard can cost about $10,000. You must understand these animals have the ability to do damage to the house and garden. They can knock down walls, screen doors, and fences. They will burrow 50 feet or more. You must have the ability to deal with this. It is best when it is difficult to dig into hard ground If you need a jack hammer, you have good conditions for keeping Sulcatas.

A veterinarian familiar with turtles or tortoises is a must. You must have the financial capability to pay for veterinarian house calls and large food bills. At some point, the Sulcata will be too large to carry. Sulcatas can get very aggressive.

The Leopard Tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) is the sulcata's nearest relative. The leopard is much more docile and does not like the antics of the Sulcatas. We strongly recommend the Leopard Tortoise and the sulcata are housed separately. Leopards do not appreciate humidity, whereas the sulcatas can deal with it.