Hello everyone, I havent introduce myself yet but ill take this post to do it. Names Kyle, zoology major and big animal enthusiast.

First of here are my specs: 30 gal tall, 60 watt heat lamp on hot side, 1 heat pad on hot side (not sure of wattage as i am at work), 1 hide box on hot side, reptile bark substrate (barkchips the size of about a thumbtack, and a few pieces of store bought wood for climbing.

Recently Ive become worried because Homer, after his second feeding ("fuzzy" lab mouse) retreated to his hide box and that was 8 days ago and he hasnt voluntarily come out of his hide box yet. I checked on him, and he looks alright but im still worried. I know they hide to digest but it seems too long.

This happened also after i change up his tank setup. Is it normal for a Ball to just chill inside their hide box for days on end? And if so, would it stress him out to pull him outta there and let him roam around the house for awhile?

I have a feeling it has to do with the various temps of his viv. The ambient air temp is usually about 73 degrees and i know thats way too low but i just dont know how to raise it. and the ground about the heat pad is slightly higher. BUT I JUST DONT KNOW HOW to keep the air temp in the high 80's during the daytime. What can i do? Get another heatpad? Maybe throw a flat peice of wood on top of the screen top? change the wattage of the bulb? PLEASE PLEASE help. I just want my snake to be healthy and happy. Thanks so much in advance for your speedy and helpful replies. - kyle