Hiya. I just picked up a new baby Ball Python last week and she seems to be doing pretty well so far. I've got a pretty nice setup; she's in a 10 gallon tank with aspen substrate, and one hide on each side of the gradient. My humidity levels are pretty stable at 50-52% and my temps are fine too, measured by a digital probe. The warm side over the Under Tank Heater gets 88 at night and 92 during the day, while the cold side gets 78 at night and 80-83 during the day. All is well, I've handled her and let her roam around a table for a bit with no problems and my first feeding with her was successful.


But, I'm slightly worried about something. When she wants to hide, she goes to the hide on the cool side the /vast/ majority of the time. I've seen her in the warm hide only once or twice so far. What's strange is, while the warmer hide is a little bit bigger, it only has one opening, while the cooler hide has two openings and is slightly more cramped. I'm worried she won't thermoregate correctly and may end up getting sick from this - is it a possibility or is this perfectly normal for the Ball Python?


Also, I'm a little worried that what seems to be her favorite hide is a bit too small for her. She can get in perfectly fine, but it seems she's having a lot of difficulty getting out. I've heard her squirm around in the hide and actually move it off the ground. In fact, I've had to lift the hide up to get her out; after she balls up I've never seen her leave it until after I help her out. I'm not sure if she's trying to get out or just adjusting it, but it still worries me.


Thanks to any that can help.