Hot Side Of Tank

[tpllima88]

Hi just wanted 2 ask a question and get everyones opinion if possible. Ok I just picked up a spider and pastel. They were in a 20 long with a water bowl, 1 hide and something that looked like it belonged in a fish tank, 1 heat lamp with a infored 100 watt bulb and that carpet bedding. I got them there still babies like 18 inches or so. I changed it I put aspen bedding 2 cork hides that look like real split logs water dish and bought a heat pad. I changed the bulb from 100 watt to a 75 watt cause the other hide that was in there seemed way 2 hot but anyways my cool side is about 78 and humidity is around 58-60. Middle of tank is about 80 and hot side where I have the heat pad and bulb is between 89-92 with 60 humidity. Now for some reason they only stay on the hot side. They don't go on the cool side. Idk what it is if now its favoring it cause they never had a heat pad for belly warmth or what idk what it is. Any suggestions or know y they do this. Thank u

[Kaorte]

My first suggestion is to separate them. Ball pythons are not social animals and there is no benefit to keeping them together other than "saving money". They will be much happier snakes if they each have their own house.

I am not sure what you are using to measure temps or control your heat source but you need a reptile thermostat to regulate the under tank heater and you need digital thermometers with probes to accurately measure temperatures. Dial, gauge, or stick on thermometers are not accurate.

Cork hides don't sound like a very good idea to me. Cork seems like it would be hard to clean and would grow bacteria quickly.

Your cool side should be around 80* but 78 isn't so bad. They will thermoregulate as needed, no need to worry where they are in the enclosure. That is why you have a hot side and a cool side, so they can choose.

[BPTexas_Pete84]

I agree i dont think keeping them in the same housing is best. Are they using the same hide box? I'd guess so huh.... far as the temp i hink the cool side needs to be raised ive been told 80-83 cool and 89 to 92 warm im no expert but i talk to as many as i can.