Albinism in Tortoises

Albino Tortoises have characteristic pink/ bright red eyes. This is due to the lack of pigment in the iris which allows the blood vessels of the retina to be visible. Shell and skin color of Albino’s have a bright yellow coloration to it. Tyrosine Positive Albino is a form of Albinism that produces a dark ruby red eyed form of albino which is called “leucistic”. The shell and skin color of these also differ from Albinos as where the leucistic have a whiter coloration. When referring to leucistic Sulcata Tortoises, the industry calls them “Ivory”

Maintaining and enjoying Albino Sulcata Tortoises is very much the same approach as normal Sulcata Tortoises. They enjoy basking in direct sunlight, like all tortoises. It’s when the albino is looking directly into the sunlight their vision can be affected for brief moments. Some albinos do hatch out blind, but most keepers will not offer these to the public. Protection from intense afternoon sun, you can provide shade, water dish for them to partially submerge in. Sulcata tortoises enjoy splashing mud on to themselves and in doing so it is a natural way to protect themselves from heat and UV rays. Having your enclosure placed on the east side of a structure will further help with shade.

Calcium is important for every species of tortoise as a part of its diet to ensure firm shell growth. While many Albinos have pasted the fragile hatchling stage with powdered calcium, most tortoise keepers prefer to offer their Albinos liquid calcium that can be sprayed on to their greens or other food options. The thought is being in a liquid form, the Albinos are able to process it better. Cuttle-fish bones can be offered once they hatchling has started to show new growth. Again, in terms of hydration, feeding and temperatures, caring for and raising an Albino is the same as a normal Sulcata Tortoise. Remember variety and moderation is the best approach to feeding tortoises high fiber, low protein edibles. Proper hydration is crucial for any type of tortoise. Soaking them often as hatchling is very important.