Quote Originally Posted by k8nkane View Post
Get an Acurite thermometer/hygrometer in one from Wal-mart. They cost about 13-15 bucks. You put it in your tank on one side, using the probe to measure temps on the other. It's more accurate than the zoomed digi therms. I had the same set-up and my temps turned out to be off by a couple degrees.
x2 to both of the bolded statements. I started with Zoo Med thermometers too when I got my first snake (a corn) and they're crap. Not knocking your setup at all, as I didn't know either when I first started and some of the PetSmart people loooooooooove to sell you all kinds of "stuff" for your snakes, lol! As to his temperament, that may just be him. If he's a hatchling/juvenile, he should eventually settle down as long as you handle him for short durations to start and then build on those in terms of the length of time. And too, coming as he did from a commercial breeder, I doubt he's been handled all that much.

Of course, he may stay a snot, lol! I have a female that will eat ANYTHING, including my finger if I'm not careful, lol! I use a "touch" stick with her; I just open the tub, gently rub her near her middle with the stick to let her know I'm going to mess with her and then pick her up. Ever since I've done that, she settles down fine and doesn't strike or attempt to bite. That's been my experience, anyway. My other snakes are fine to handle and mellow as can be but they all have their own personalities.