Is there really a right way?

[cmz1234]

FYI I live in Texas too, so here's my advice as a fellow Texan.

All you really need to focus is the basic husbandry: 50-60% humidity, 90-95 F on hot side, cool side 80-85 F, hides, and water bowl. Beyond that caging is up to you.

Everyone will have their own opinion for glass aquarium and plastic cages. But I will recommend you find a way to keep the humidity in a wire top cage. Heat lamps reduce the humidity in the cage so I'd go with a UTH with a dimmer, thermostat, or something to control temperature output. Substrate is up to you, but note with BP's they shed and defecate quite often. So IMO stick with an easy clean-up.

Yeah separate cages was a good idea, no you don't have to worry about a pregnant female. Also with separate cages you reduce the risk of disease, mites, etc spreading to the other.

IMO a stressed snake tries to crawl away, maybe ball up, bite you, or not even show any visual signs. I'd just make sure they feel secure in their home. Your right a snake will know what it needs when it needs it. Just provide it with an ambient humidity, a hot side, hides, some water and food regularly.

Oh and to bp.net.