Homer is a 10-year-old sulcata tortoise. This desert tortoise is also known as the African spurred tortoise. It is the third largest of all tortoises, but the largest of all mainland tortoises. They are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight at dusk and dawn. Don’t tell Homer, though, because he seems to like getting midday exercise.
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Homer likes to protect his turf from the thing that eats all his snacky-snacks. Every time his family mows the lawn in his enclosure, he is outside chasing the mower. It is reminiscent of the old man shaking his fist and hollering, “Get off my lawn, you young whippersnapper!”
As you can see, Homer is quite large. Sulcata tortoises can grow to 24 to 30 inches across the carapace and weigh from 70 to 200 pounds. They are a long-term commitment as a pet because they can live up to 50 years and sometimes longer in captivity.
Their diet is mostly grass, weeds, leaves, and flowers. Although they love fruit, that is not a recommended food for them. The sugars and acids in fruits can alter the pH of their digestive tract. Maintaining a proper diet with appropriate calcium levels is critical for a healthy sulcata tortoise. Homer does get special treats after all the hard work of chasing the mower.
These personable tortoises will develop a strong bond with their humans. Bon-chan is a 155-pound tortoise belonging to Hisao Mitani. When the two go on walks through the town, Hisao dresses Bon-chan in adorable little hats. They are also friendly with animals such as dogs and cats. Tilly G is a sulcata tortoise whose best friend is a dog named Skippy.
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