shell shedding

Question
QUESTION: Hello,
Thank you for replying. I had asked you earlier why was my sulcata hatchling shedding it's shell.
Just to let you know I just got him monday last week; he's a month old, so I don't really know much, but I have been doing research and stuff. I got him from a guy that breeds sulcatas.
His shedding is not that much and the shedded skin in very transperant, it's not alot.
My husbandry I guess isn't the best. Right now I have one 5 watt(120volt) light bulb. I really don't know what a UVB bulb is. I take him outside for 30 min a day caue I read to do that. I have alfalpha pelets on the bottom and a tiny water sauser. He also has a like wood cave like shelter that I got at the pet store. And he's in a glass fish tank. I have no clue abotu the temp or humidity. I also have a slight wet paper towel in the corner cause online I read that I should do that.
I've been feeding him Romaine lettuce only, did try an apple a couple days ago but from what I read online they said to only feed fruits once every 2 weeks.

From what I told you about his housing I guess I might be lacking several things.
If you can tell me what it is that I should get at the store.

ohhh, and just wondering have you ever had a tortoise??
Thank you

ANSWER: Hello!

No, I have not had a tortoise before, but my husband & I have contemplated getting one.  They live so long that we would probably pick up an older one or a rescued one.
You will need to have a basking spot of around 90-95 for him, at all times so he can stay warm.  A cooler area of around 80 or so is important so he can cool off when he wants to.  Use a digital probe or a temp gun for accurate readings.  The humidity needs to be at least 50-60%.  
A UVB is extremely important because without it he cannot properly absorb calcium.  The Reptisun 10 tube bulb would be a good one for him.  You can get it from here:

http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-rept

He definitely needs more than romaine.  You can use that, but get some darker greens such as collard & mustard greens, with some squash, greens beans & peas.  You can try some alfalfa too they seem to like that also.  There are also some pellets that are designed for them also & he might like that as well.  He will need a calcium supplementation 5 times per week or he will start getting soft shell or malformation of the shell & pyramiding.  

Let me know how things are going.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much for helping me out.
I was wondering how much of lettuce I should feed him a day? Or how much food should i food him a day? like if i were to mix it up like u told me to w/ veg and romaine how much of each should i give him?
Another thing, can I feed him canned peas and green beans or do they have to be fresh?
sorry one last thing. I read online, that to provide a humid area this one lady used a top-o-ware thing and had the light shine on it. So i did that and he seems to be liking it. he likes to go in it, stay a while, and then go to his little log cave on the other side of the tank were it's cooler. So I was wondering if this was a good idea for me to use this?
Thanks you again. You've been of great help for me and him. :)

ANSWER: Hello,

How is your tortoise doing today?
You can give at least 1 cup or more of greens & veggies daily.  You can include some mushed up pellets to supplement his greens & veggies diet along with some worms here & there.  Make sure the greens & veggies are fresh & are small pieces that can be easily eaten.  
You can use a humid hide for him, or a humid area yes.  That is beneficial for them.  As long as he has a place to get warm, retreat from the heat & thermoregulate then you can keep the log cave in no problem.
Don't forget to get some calcium supplementation for him to use 4-5 days per week.

Tracie

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: should i kill the worms first?
my tortoise is doing good, however, I'm concerned about one thing. Sometimes on his throat like it pulses. I guess the only good image that I can give you is like picture the way that a frog crocks. Like the throat goes in and out. Well he does that. Is that normal? And is it normal for them to move in there sleep? And can tortoise's see in color? just would like to know.
Thank you

Answer
Hello,

No you don't need to kill the worms.  Some good ones would be phoenix worms, or butterworms, they are high in calcium.  Some use earthworms, also.  Just be careful where you get them so they are not diseased.  Mealworms are ok occassionally, too.  
That movement on his throat is just him breathing, normally.  
They can move in their sleep yes, but should sleep pretty soundly.  As far as seeing color, it really has not been proven either way whether or not they can see in color.  Some research has suggested that it is a possibility they can differentiate between some colors, but has not been confirmed by any extensive research.

Tracie