I've always wanted a ball python and last year I finally bought a juvenile one for me and my youngest son to share. Right now he's in an aquarium with aspen substrate and an under the tank heating pad. I also keep a ceramic bowl of water for him, but it's not big enough for him to swim or bathe in. I'll soon be moving him up to a larger tank as he's already outgrown this one.

The snake is unusually friendly and for a long time was a fantastic eater. Started off with pinkies, then white mice, and moved up to small/medium rats. We fed him once every 7-10 days. However the last time he's eaten was back around October/November. I know that it's normal for them to go through long periods without eating, and he seems healthy, but how long until I should be concerned? I've tried offering him a few meals in the last several months and he's not interested at all.

One other thing I've noticed is he seems to have wrinkled skin covering his eyes. I've read that is an indication of not enough humidity and the eyes aren't shedding properly. Unfortunately I don't have a humidity or temperature gauge in the tank, but I'm getting one soon. What's a good way to increase the humidity without increasing the smell?