Hi,
i just got a new ball python 4 days ago, she is my first so i have almost no idea what i am doing.. i have been having problems keeping the heat up, so im wondering what i could do.. the cold side was only about 70F the first night and the warm only 75 maybe... since then ive tried insulating the sides and back, as well as half of the top. Since doing that both sides are around 78-80. i know thats not warm enough for the hot side, so im wondering what else i could do.. i have one of the heated mats under the (supposed to be) hot side, but i dont feel much heat coming from that, and i have one overhead lamp with a nightime and daytime bulb, each 100W. im scared to invest in a second overhead lamp because i heard rumors that could dry the snake out? Any tips would be helpful!

also, she has been in a hide for a few days, when i bought her the store clerk said she refused to eat the thursday before and just to feed her the next thursday (tomorrow). Ive read some people dont hold or feed their new snakes for a few weeks.. i was holding her the first couple days.. Anyways my question is should i try to get her out of her hide and attempt to feed her, or just wait..?? thanks for any help!