So this great thread got me thinking. I think I remember reading much of a tortoises UV absorbson is thru their skin. In any case, I was thinking if the scute edges are the critical area of the carapace development shouldn’t it be safe to topically apply the moisturizing agent of your choosing...
I use the brand and recommend them but my failure rate is pretty high. Save your receipt. The big box stores are good about replacing them no questions ask.
Addressing only one of your issues for now you, your boyfriend and your tortoise will all do better by replacing the infrared/red light with a ceramic heat emitter. No visiable light for your boyfriend but nice heat for your tortoise.
I don't believe what you heard about the separate feeding site being eaten from on separate days is true. Your tortoise will wander around find food and eat opportunistically.
Do you have a Neibor who you trust to pop in and feed your tortoise. Another option is to just leave dry Mazuri or the...
Sounds like you are doing it right already. I feed mine twice a day everyday. The couple days a week feeding regime is old info and wasn't good when it was new info.
There does seem to be plenty of shade but not much cover. I think some shrubs or ground level visual barriers will make your tortoise more comfortable. How big is your 8 year old? The opening for the little hide didn't look all that big.
After reading this thread it seems to me you are ignoring the excellent advice already given. Your second tortoise is being set up to fail. Trust the advice you have already been given.
You probabaly wouldn't believe how jealous I am. I only have a couple resident lizards. What I wouldn't give to have some snake watching right in my own yard.
I doubt if there is any difference in the two for drinking water. The water sprayed on the shell can leave visible deposits after spraying and drying hundreds of times so I use a soft RO water but it isn't a health issue.
Most weeds seem to wilt in my refrigerator. I get my best lifespan by rinseing the weeds and then blotting them dry. I can get two weeks fridge time by doing it this way.
Leaving him with your mom had everything to do with how your mom feels about the tortoise. Is she interested in the tortoise. Will she actively care for it or just leave it be in its pen?