Technically, you can potty train a sulcata tortoise, however it is not an easy task. It’s not like potty training a puppy to go outside to a cat to use a litter box. But, it is doable with plenty of patience and time.
How to Potty Train a Sulcata
Training a tortoise to do anything is all about convincing the tortoise that doing what you want is worth their time. It can take months or years or in some cases it may never happen at all.
Tortoises are creatures of habit. They’ll often do the same things at the same time every day. Nap. Potty. Graze. Etc.
You need to start potty training your sulcata by recognizing the habits that your tortoise has. When does he do certain activities, and possibly where does he like to potty.
Adapt to your sulcata. Once you figure out the routine, encourage your sulcata to potty when and where you want. Use his favorite foods, ONLY offering that food for training.
Start a schedule with your sulcata. Learn how long it takes for him to digest food and when he usually poops. Adjust the schedule little by little. For example, if your tortoise always poops an hour after eating, take him to the designated potty place 50 minutes after eating. Keep in mind sulcatas are naturally grazers, but when housing inside, you may be offering one large meal that is consumed at that time.
Change the tortoise’s environment so that it knows to only potty on a specific surface. You likely won’t potty train a sulcata to use a large kiddie pool filled with newspaper, however you can train a sulcata to use the tiled bathroom. And, again you may get lucky and can potty train your sulcata to use a kiddie pool filled with newspaper if you place the pool in the tortoise’s preferred space to poop or place the tortoise in the pool when you know he’s going to go.
Many sulcata tortoises only poop when soaking in warm water. Use this to your advantage.
In reality, you aren’t training your tortoise as much as you’re training yourself to learn your sulcata tortoise’s routine and pattern.
Should I Let My Adult Sulcata Free-Range Inside My House?
You’ll find a debate on housing sulcata tortoises inside. You’ll even find social media accounts strongly promoting how happy and healthy their indoor adult sulcata is. They get a room with heat and housing. They get outside as temporary exercise. On the other hand, people are strongly against housing pet sulcata tortoises inside.
In the end, to each is their own. It’s your pet and your home, however please remember that sulcata tortoises need to be outside for parts of the day for proper UV, exercise and grazing. While inside, hardwood floors can cause muscle and bone damage as it can be harder for a tortoise to walk, whereas carpet and rugs will need regular cleaning.
During winter, there are other alternatives to letting your tortoise free-range inside your house. However, if you choose to let your sulcata inside, take precautions to keep your home sanitary for those who live inside it and safe for your tortoise.
- Regularly disinfect the floors.
- Pick up uneaten food.
- Remove poop and pee immediately and disinfect the area.
- Hide exposed wires.
- Pick up small toys, decor and other items that could be eaten.
