Don't really know how to start off but I'm 27 years old and have been keeping reptiles since I was 12 but never owned a snake. I'm Interested in getting a ball python because I used to do a lot of research about them when I was younger. I just started to brush up on my knowledge of them and have a few questions. My first question is, I see a lot of people keep them in plastic containers is it ok to start a baby in a 10 gallon glass tank or should I go out and buy one of those snake proof plastic vision cages? If not what would you recommend? Also, I read that they need 2 hides, one on hot side, one on the cold side. My question is, do I put an under the tank heating pad on the same side as the hide that's underneath the 90-92 hot spot or the cold side? My last question is about feeding. How do you know when to offer bigger sized prey? When they shed? Thanks in advance.