As a 46 year old women, I think I may have dropped off the deep end!! When my sons wanted snakes my response was "over my dead body" !! Well, I must be close to death cause after seeing these beautiful creatures on the internet, I just had to have one for my own.

I got Dr. Watson last Sunday at a pet store. He is a normal male. About 14'' long. I currently have him in a 29 galllon tank. It has a heat mat under one end. Reptile carpet stuff on the bottom. He has two hides, one on each end, a water dish, a branch, and some fake plants covering his hides alittle and covering the stick.

All I have for thermometers is a stick on one. It reads 75-82. I'm getting better thermometers tomorrow. Anyway, Watson spends most off his time in the cool side hide. When we first brought him home he spent his time in the warm hide over the heat mat but since has moved. I have a heat bulb on during the day to keep the heat up. It's on a timer. When it goes off, he comes out and moves around some and then hangs out on top of his hide in the fake leaves. Is this normal? Is he too cold? If so, why does he not go towards the warm side? I tried to feed him two days ago, but he showed no intrest. F/T hopper mouse. I'm not sure when he last ate... When should I try again?

What is the best set up to keep Watson's home at the proper temp and lighting? I so want him to be happy and healthy!! I can not believe how attached we are already to him !! I sure don't want to lose him !!