Adult Ball (3' 10" 1187grams) former stray, have had for 1 week. 40 gallon breeder tank (36"x18"). substrate is forest floor mixed with ecoearth. 150 watt CHE plus UTH. currently his warm end, with probe on top of the substrate, is 80 degrees (yes, I know, not good, working on it) humidity is 80-90%, again with the probe on top of the substrate. Right now his hides are card board boxes.


1. I know humidity should be 50-60%, but at what level in the cage do I measure that? Do I put the hygrometer at ground level or about halfway up?

2. What size hide would I use for an adult (3' 10")? I see people using these

https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Rep...GB0EZRV7CDHBAA

I have the large size for my corn snake and, even though I know they like it snug, I can't imagine the ball fitting in one (maybe extra large?)

3. I have seen that the way to use a thermostat is to put the probe in between the UTH and the glass.
A. This will not be possible for me, would putting it right against the glass be sufficient?
B. Why put it right against the heater anyway? I mean, if I need to keep the tank at 80, wouldn't it make more sense to have the thermometer measure the ambient tank temperature?


4. My first attempt at feeding him was a flop, but a week ago he was roaming around the mean streets so I wasn't surprised. I think next I'll try a rat, but at what point do I get worried or give up on FT and go with a live meal? should I wait to try again when I get his conditions right?


P.S we named stray snake Sterling Archer, we just call him Sterling though.