Having issues with temperature

[areed9588]

I just adopted my first Ball python, Eleanor, 2 days ago. I had the tank set up with a heat lamp, hygrometer, and a thermometer for the warm side and cool side. Before I even brought her home the tank was within the required temperature and humidity ranges. Now that she is in it it seems as though I cannot keep it at any of the right temps.

I have eco earth in the bottom, a humidity box with moss, a water dish. I use a 50w bulb for the heat lamp and the night lamp is a 75w. I'm assuming I need a stronger heat lamp, but I don't know what to do about the humidity, it stays around 50% but it was closer to 64% when I originally set everything up.

She has adapted well, she is social and explores her home. But I am worried that she seems to stay on the cooler side. The warm side is 85° and the cool side is about 78°. Is this normal for a BP? To stay on the cool side?

oh, and she is about 18 weeks old. I adopted her as a rescue from work. She was very malnourished and dehydrated but has been treated and rehabilitated. She is eating fuzzies every 4 days.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Don't worry about what side she spends her time laying on. Just worry about providing the correct temps. 50% is ok for humidity. When she goes into shed just give the tank a few extra sprays.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Welcome to the site!

You really need to warm the cage up a little. 88-92 F on the hot side, 78-82 on the cool side. Humidity needs to be between 40% - 60% normally and 60% - 80% during shed.

Do you have a under tank heating pad?

What are you using for hides?

A BP sitting on the cool side can be normal but it can also be a sign that something is off.

[areed9588]

I do have an under tank heating pad and she has a tupperware container made into a humidity box for one hide and a rock that she likes to hide under. The humidity box was a recommendation from my vet.

[bcr229]

I do have an under tank heating pad and she has a tupperware container made into a humidity box for one hide and a rock that she likes to hide under. The humidity box was a recommendation from my vet.

Is 85*F the temperature on top of the substrate on the UTH? Or is that the ambient air temperature on the hot side? Also, do you have a thermostat to regulate the UTH?

[areed9588]

The 85° is the average temp on the basking side. The ambient temp is 83 or 84. Its so frustrating. I am buying a higher wattage bulb today to see if that helps.

[Rickys_Reptiles]

Don't stress. 50 watts is a pretty low wattage bulb. Just get 1 bulb, maybe a 75 or 100 ceramic and use it all the time. You really don't need a day and a night bulb. BP's dont require the light, so switching from 1 bulb to another is a total waste of money.

[bcr229]

Get an infrared thermometer or temperature gun and measure the temperature on top of the substrate. Also, what is your thermostat for the UTH set to?

[Samii]

My BP will spend time on the cool side if he didn't eat his last meal or the humidity needs to be bumped just a little bit. Once in a while he will even do it if he left his poo or urates in his warm side, but he usually just moves to the cool side to do those things.