Hello Snake Charmers!

This is my first post. My son, he's 11, just got a desert kingsnake. Though I'm a big fan of snakes and things slithery, I'm no expert. We've spent a bunch of time researching the needs of the snake. We are struggling with one component, and seemingly a very important one, how to measure temperature. I've searched the forum, and other places on the internet, but don't feel like we're getting the clarity we need.

We have three thermometers:
  • one on the warm side, with the probe sitting on top of the aspen bedding. it measures 83 F.
  • one hanging on the cool side, about three inches above the bedding. It measure 72 F.
  • using an infrared gun we measure 85 to 90 F on the warm side bedding, and 71 F on the cool side.
  • the glass under the bedding on the warm side using the IR gun measure about 100 F


How does all that sounds?

Also, we have two hides, one on each end. It's used both so far.

Thanks for your consideration and help.