What is the bottom line?

[Shamri]

So I am starting to feel like an actual parent as I read all the information/advice about temperature, humidity, enclosures, security, personality, shedding, bedding, materials, heat sources, gauges, and so forth. I'm starting to think (ironically) that I'm overthinking all of this... My little guy eats well and without hesitation (2 hoppers on his third day with us, another 5 days later). He seems active, and once he gets over his initial "I'm being handled" freeze, he seems to enjoy exploring. He still has not shed yet, so that's one worry I have yet to overcome. That being said... maybe not everything has to be perfect? What do you all think is the bottom line? Feel free to fill in the blank here:

"As long as your snake is ____________, you can stop worrying."

Thanks

[200xth]

Everything doesn't have to be perfect.

If they're eating, growing, pooping, and shedding they're doing fine.

[Eric Alan]

"...well taken care of and healthy..."

When it comes to an animal that is entirely dependent on our actions for its well-being, it is critical for us to ensure that its needs are being met by any means available to us. As those needs change, we must be able to recognize this and respond accordingly. If we do not do so, it is a very real possibility that its quality of life will be negatively impacted. It doesn't get any more bottom line than that.

[MrLang]

Eating. Every ball python ailment results fairly quickly in feeding strikes. Now this doesn't meant there is always a problem when they don't eat, but as long as they are eating you are in the clear.

[Latifah]

I've just accepted that I've added a reptilian kid to my home lol.

Shedding, eating, pooping, and peeing, Snakey Shakes seems fine. I love him. I've got to get photobucket so I can share him with all of you.

[PitOnTheProwl]

Stress always, you just learn to deal with it and not check on them every hour (mainly because you have to go to work at some point)
Wait till you get eggs in the bator

[Sammiebob]

Ughh my first clutch is going to suck the life out of me! And to the OP, fill in the blank with eating, pooping and moving. As long as that is settled, you shouldn't have to worry.

[Cowtipper]

I think it starts with heat and humidity. If that's within the right range, then everything else will usually fall into place.