Thanks so much Eric, that is reassuring. I had considered turning it up slightly to adjust for the hide temperature, but of course like you said that would risk the floor temp getting too high and although I have not seen him burrow down I don't want to risk any dangerous temps. I only started thinking about it because he just ate and I want to be sure it is hot enough in there for proper digestion. I have adjusted for the thermostat too since when it was set to 90 on the thermostat it seemed to go too high. I think right now it is set to 88 or 89 on the thermostat and that seems to keep floor temps where they need to be. Out of curiosity, what would be considered a temperature that is too low for digestion? If it were reading 88 in the hide but was more like 85 where he is lying would that be detrimental, or still a safe range? I have wanted a bp for 10 years and was always scared off by the idea of feeding rodents. I did have a rough green snake for a while but it was long enough ago and the needs were different enough that I am really playing catch up now. Now that I finally have him I am just scared to death of messing up. I am really glad to have found a good site with experienced keeper.