Yesterday i bought a 1 yr old female royal python and asked for a complete setup to go with it. What i was given was a clear plastic box with a lid, a ceramic bowl for her water some aspen and a heat mat.

Now after reading online and on a few forums im concerned that the box i have is too small for her and the fact that i wasnt told to buy a thermostat with the heat mat. I know the royals like to be in small spaces but i think her current box is too small. I measured her this morning and she's 31 inches long but the box she's in is 14" in length and 9 inches in depth. I was also told to keep the heat mat under the box and half way in which i have done but im concerned that as the heats not regulated by a thermostat, that she might suffer from the heat. But in my bedroom i have a simular type box that is 22" in length and 14" in depth so would i be better off putting her in there?

Also, i've held a few pythons before when given to me to hold but im abit weary when putting my hands in to get her out as i think she may bite and when holding her she tried to get away rather quickly. Can you give me some tips on how to get her out and make her feel comfortable and less stressed when im holding her and without her biting me?

I need as much advice as you guys can offer on these couple of problems i have.

Many thanks