New BP owner worried about temp

[Tricia]

Hi everyone, I just got a normal BP six days ago. I am very nervous that my snake is too cold. The snake is not going on the hot side of the tank. I thought it was because the UTH was too hot. I bought a thermostat yesterday to make sure the UTH is not getting too hot but my snake is still not going on the hot side. The cool side is too cool, it varies between 80-85 during the day but has dropped to at least 71 degrees at night. Currently it is at 74 which I think is too cold. Should I buy a red light for the cool side? Or should I get another UTH and calibrate it to 77? I think my snake also might be going into shed. His eyes look a little cloudy, is this the cause for my snake to prefer the cold temps? I am so nervous. I dont have a vet appointment until this Saturday. He also didnt feed on Sunday. The pet store said that they had no feeding problems. Please help thank you so much.

[Gerardo]

You need a temperature gun. The ambient temp might be ok but the hot spot could be too hot. Also does hr have identical hides on the cool and warm side?

[Tricia]

yes he or she has two hides but they are not identical

[CptJack]

Get two that match. I discovered that my snake had a strong preference for one and was using it to the exclusion of the other, in spite of the temperature differences. Buying a second just like the first meant she actually went back and forth as necessary, instead of staying on whichever side that hide was on.

They're not bright animals.

[Lady mkrj58]

Im so glad you bought a Thermostat for your UTH What size enclosure are you using and does it have the Screen Top ? I Found with my 40 gallon tank I have to cover part of the top at times this also helps with humidity I have to use my UTH and about midway I use a Ceramic Heater that sits on the screen and my tanks cold side is 82 . I also keep my snake room at a steady 72 because ambient Room temperature also plays a big part. Congrats on your new baby I too am new to the BP and I just love them, prior to them my Corn Snake has been with me for 7 years. Everyday their is so much to learn with me anyway.

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