I would get rid of the lamp and just use the uth with a thermostat or dimmer. I would get a better hide, they usually don't like the half logs. You need a hide that is tight fitting and only has one opening. I would recoomend getting a digital therometer with a probe so you can measure the cool and warm side, also one that has a hydgrometer it. You are going to need a bigger tank like a 10 gallon. You should not handle at all for a week to let it settle and once he eats a few meals then you can handle him. Don't handle on feeding day and 48 hours after feeding. Here is a great caresheet that if you follow it, you will have one happy ball! http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

Congrats on your new pet!