Just checking in to ensure that I'm doing things right. I've been consulting some experts on other sites, talking to herp vets and a local herp shop but apparently I can't rest till I have all the information possible.

Okay, so my sister apparently didn't get the memo about not buying pets as gifts and bought me a juvenile ball python for graduation.

She bought him from Petco (which I would NOT have) and bought me a kit enclosure. The kit included a 20 long tank (glass on all sides) with a sliding lid with a lock, water dish (which I replaced with a bigger one), wood chip bedding (which I replaced with bed-a-beast), one rock hide, and two 8.5 inch reflector dome lamps.

I have added a log hide, a bunch of vines and leaves, a hunk of slate to partially cover the entrance to his favorite hide so he feels more secure, and two large pieces of driftwood (one arranged to allow him to climb on top of his log to bask - which he does particularly at night - and the other to partially cover his water dish so he feels comfy.

My sister also bought an UTH pad which I have stopped using as my local herp shop experts said not to use it unless I have a super serious thermostat on it, which I don't...and that they just use heat lamps on their balls.

So...I've blacked out three sides of his enclosure with black aquarium liner...made his enclosure totally cozy with lots of stuff...and I'm not handling him except to take him out once a week to attempt to feed...thus far he's not falling for it.

I've had him for about three weeks. For the first two, he never left his hide. But since the last feeding attempt he is coming out and basking and generally looking more comfortable.

I'm keeping his warm side between 85 and 95 degrees on the floor, and his basking spot is probably closer to 100 degrees at the highest point. The humidity on the warm side is 50% and on the cool side it's 65%. The cool side of the enclosure ranges from 70-80 degrees.

So...I'm going to attempt feeding him again on Saturday, and the herp shop recommended in lieu of the mouse on the tongs approach, that I just pop him and the prey item into his rubbermaid (opaque) feeding bin and close the lid and leave him for 2-3 hours. If that doesn't work, they suggested bagging him and the mouse overnight in his enclosure.

Every time I put him back in his enclosure after a feeding attempt he drinks and explores (and yawns which is the cutest thing ever) so I think he's doing okay, just still stressed out.

So...I'm just looking for any advice...I've considered placing his UTH under his water dish where he can't get to it (which is on the cool end of the tank) but I'm afraid that would screw with the humidity...and I just can't afford a thermostat right now...I've already spent like $150 getting him acclimated...

Oh, and here's a picture for you.

I present....Simon Lazarus...