First off, let me prefeace by saying that the acquisition of a ball python as a pet is not something I did lightly or on a whim. I debated this over and over in my head for about 6 months, during which time I read as much as I could find. When I finally decided to go ahead and take the plunge, I took the advice of a local breeder for my first set-up, even though everything I have read suggested some things differently. Well, I have since straightened everything out except the temperature/humidity issue. I understand this is the most important issue, so I figured I would ask here instead of the local breeder.

First off, my set-up:

10GAL w/mesh lid, 2 hides, water dish, 2 thermometers, aspen substrate bedding, heat lamp w/red infared 75W bulb.

Ok, I have covered 3 out of the 4 of the sides of the tank with cardboard. I have a thermometer on the cool side and a stick-on (I KNOW!) on the warm side. The water dish is dead center. She has nothing to climb on though, and that concerns me...

Here is what I have noticed, and some questions following...

- She never uses the hide on the heated side, even if I change the side the lamp sits on top of.

- The temps as measured are 78-81 cool side, 88-92 warm side. (Not accurate I know, but the best I can do for now. I am purchasing 2 probe thermometers on Wednesday.)

- She is hardly ever active, except when I take her out. Then it takes her about 5 minutes or so to adjust to being handled, then I can't get her to sit still.

- When I touch her to get her out, she is always almost cold to the touch.

- She ate exactly 1 week after I brought her home, with no issues. She is eating F/T sub-adult mice.

- She pooped the day after I brought her home, but hasn't since, even though she ate on Monday the 22nd. I have not noticed and urates or urine either.

- Her noticable bulge from feeding has been gone since about the 23rd-24th. I weighed her today, the 26th, and her weight is 125g.

- She has not shed since I got her. However, I noticed several extremely dry spots where it looks like there are dead scales(?). Does that make since? The worst spot looks like a scar from a cut or something similar.

- She is not as head shy as what I have read suggests she should be. Not sure if this matters. I take her out and handle her at least everyday except the day after she fed.

Now, the questions...

Besides the thermometer/thermostat problem, is there anything I could/should be doing better habitat wise? Should I cover the mesh with aluminum foil and duct tape to help with humidity? Or perhaps use a moist towel, even though I heard this can cause bacteria and mold?

Can I add/change her tank without freaking her out? I would like to add a piece of driftwood for her to climb on, maybe with some fake greenery to hide in. I was also thinking about possibly using an old tv stand to convert into a custom built cage... any thoughts?

What can I do to make her more comfortable, as in enough so that she will start "coming out to play" as it were?

Ok, sorry about the long post, but I know you guys can help me.

There are some pics of her in my gallery...

Thanks in advance for all the help here!