Sulcata tortoises, like many animals, need enrichment to stay active and happy. Typically, that enrichment comes from habitat obstacles, such as logs, rocks, pools and dirt mounds. Sulcatas do not need toys, necessarily, so you won’t need to hunt for balls to keep your tortoise happy. However, you may want to make a few alterations or additions to your sulcata’s habitat to accommodate entertained.
Look for toys and activities that will inspire curiosity and problem-solving to engage your tortoise’s mind. You’ll find that keeping active will help keep your tortoise happy.
Climbing Toys
You can build low sloping mounds for your tortoise to climb on. Don’t add ladders or steep steps, but you can add shallow stepping stones and slopes for your tortoise to climb up and down.
Use rocks, logs, wooden planks or dirt to create mounds or steps for your tortoise. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Pushing Toys
Your sulcata will try to push anything. It’s not uncommon for an adult tortoise to rearrange outdoor furniture. If you’re going to add push toys to your tortoise’s habitat, make sure that it’s not something he can bite through and swallow.
Repurpose rocks, branches, etc. Large balls for horses can also make a good toy for a sulcata. You could even stuff a feeding ball with hay to entice your tortoise to play.
Giving your tortoises something to modify in his habitat is good for mental health.
Hiding Places
Sulcatas are burrowers. Typically, they burrow to cool off or escape a predator. However, hiding can give your sulcata time alone, contributing to good mental wellbeing. In a way, it’s like you needing time to decompress by reading or playing video games.
Make burrows or shelters throughout the habitat. Repurpose stones materials to create shelter that can be climbed. Don’t throw a piece of plywood on top of cinder blocks. The plywood could collapse under your sulcata when he climbs on it. Make sure that you build something sturdy.
Water Play
Sulcatas aren’t necessarily steady swimmers. However you can create a small puddle or pool for your tortoise to splash around in. This will also help cool off on a hot day.
Sand Boxes
Well, maybe not an actual sand box, but create digging areas for your sulcata.
Plants and Vegetation
Place potted plants and flowers in the habitat. Mix up what plants and flowers are available. This will create excitement over trying new foods. Just be careful that the plants are safe for tortoises.
Go to your local home and garden store and see what’s available. If you notice the plants have fertilizers or additives, you’ll want to repot the plants in fresh soil. Try to let the plant grow a bit to remove any additive that may be in the leaves. Then give it to your tortoise.
