Hi, my name is brandi and of course im new here and I have a few questions.. I am the first time owner of a ball python .. well i had one as a kid but my father cared for it, so that dont really count.
my husband has begged for a snake for months now (he's always wanted one never had one) so today we went and purchased one...(this is of course after weeks of looking for a healthy snake) "she" ( dont know ) is BEAUTIFULLY marked.. and young too.. which is my first question

how do i determine age? "she/he" is approx 16 " long

my second question is about her habitat .. here is what my hubby bought today for her

10 gal tank
screen lid with clamps
a small heat pad for under the cage
heat light for top
big bark bedding (the dark with big pieces)
water bowl
huge piece of drift wood and
background

so my next question is about the heat pad.. the take is 10 gal but the pad says for a 5 gal tank.. the pet owner said i didnt need a bigger one since i was using a heat light as well (my light has a 45 watt bulb)
IS THIS ENOUGH????
it is 7 pm here and she has been laying right where the pad is at (under tank of course) for an hour now. before hand she explored her cage crawled under and over her wood checked everything out.. now shes staying on the padded spot.

i know i need a temp checker (sorry cant spell what its really called lol)
ill get that in the morning

sorry this is long thank you if your still reading.. but here is a small list i made for things to pick up tomorrow

red heat light for night time
ceramic bowl to replace plastic small one i have now
some fake trees
a cave to hide in
spray bottle for water
and a large plastic tub to feed her in
also food (been 6 days since she ate) i was told she eats once a week

ANYTHING else you all recommend????