I just got my ball python today, and had everything set up in advance. I have an under the tank heater, currently set at 86F in the basking spot (I know it should be 90F, but I have a really crappy thermostat and have to continually mess with it. My new hydrofarm thermostat should be here tomorrow. In the mean time, I'm trying to keep him from getting burned)
Anyways, I'm using about an inch of aspen bedding, and he's pushed it aside to lay on the glass directly over the UTH. Is this bad? Should I move him and cover it up again? Why is he doing this? Will it burn him?
Also, he hasn't been going into his hides. Does he not know that he can, or is he still exploring? Will he do this for a few days?
I'm a first time owner, so I'm really worried! Any tips or info you could give me that will help/make me less worried would be great.