hides and thermostat probes.

Hi guys new ball python owner! Was just wondering where is best to place the thermostat probe. I'm using a ceramic bulb so would it be best on the ground next to the hide or inside the hide? Also i have put another hide in the cool area so he can thermoregulate. But he has just stayed in the hide in the cool area. Is he picking that as a preferred hide? It's actually bigger than the other hide which is strange as i read the like small tight hides. Should i get an identical one for the warm side? Thanks

Having a over head heat source putting the probe anywhere the snake can cover it will block it from picking up the temperature and cause the heater to get to hot. Your best bet is probably going to be letting the probe dangle from the back wall.

Why are you using a che and not a uth?

The hide question is hard to answer. It may just like the hide or maybe the warm side is to warm. Make sure you know the surface temp inside the warm hide and the ambient temp of the warm side.

I shoot for an ambient cage temp of 80 with a hotspot of 90.

I do have a heat pad to hand. But it wasn't making the temperature warm enough of a night time. Where is the best place to put a heat pad in a wooden vivarium? And is it essential to have one? He did go into the smaller hide when i first set everything up but went into the other one when i put it in. The surface temp on the warm side is 90

Not really a good place for a uth in a wood cage.

Thats what i thought so i took it out. As long as my ceramic heats the surface floor correctly and ambient temps then shouldnt be a problem?

Yes, it will be fine.