First of all read this, it is awesome information and will help you with your set up.
http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=43936
Secondly...you can do it with a light but honestly....it is better to get some under the tank heating system. When you do you HAVE to have a thermostat to control it. You can get all this at reptile basics and if you have questions....call Rich...he is awesome and will answer all the questions you have. Belly heat assists the BP's in digesting their food. Secondly...feed in the enclosure. It is much easier for you and much less stress for the snake. I believe as do many others that the whole cage aggressive is just a folk tale. The only time we have had an aggressive problem is when my hubby stuck his hand in the enclosure on feeding day after handling a mouse. Duh!!![]()
Also and this is very important....pretty much anything can bite. Hence a mouse can do some serious damage to your snake. You either can stun or prekill the mouse prior to feeding and/or certainly keep a close eye on the mouse and the snake until the mouse is dead.
Bp's are know for being finiky eaters...especially if the husbandry is not on point...or the stars and moon are not aligned. Ok the last one was a joke...but you get what I am saying. I have some that are very agressive with their feeder and some that are so shy that I have to prekill it. Just depends on your snake.
Good luck and keep us updated.