help a beginner! first post

[mrshawt]

I just recently got my python earlier this week. I have his hide under a heating lamp and he basically just always stays in there. Its been a few days and he hasn't really moved around at all.

I was wondering if this is normal and would the temperature get too hot for him?

Also, his previous owner was feeding him 2 small rats every 4 days (previous owner got him 7 months ago and he was malnourished)- The snakes at a healthy size now and I've been told this is too much and also told to keep it up. I'm confused with how I should continue to feed him now that he's healthy. Would changing his feeding habit just add to the stress of a new environment?

That is normal behavior. However, you need to be checking and regulating the temperatures in the tank. Hot side should be 92-94. I would also recommend using a UTH under the tank instead, of course being regulated by said dimmer (up on the page) or a thermostat. The bp caresheet on this site will tell a lot more about husbandry as well.

Oh, almost forgot: Now that your bp is a more normal size, feed 10-15% of snake's body weight in prey every 5-7 days. If you don't have a scale to check its weight, estimate by choosing prey about as large as the snake in diameter at its widest point.