Your temps should be stable and consistant 24/7 so whatever is used to achieve this need to be on 24/7

Ideal temps 76/80 (cool) to 88/90 (warm)

Shedding: Provide proper humidity at all time 50% which can be raise when in shed to 70%, once the animal sheds if there is some stuck shed, simply get a towel run it under warm water, remove excess water and let your snake slither through it allowing it to rub itself which will help remove any left over shed.

Age: Cannot be determine as animals grow at different rate which is based entirely on feeding (prey size, frequency, consistency).

You should have an hide on the warm side however if the probe is in the hide it will give you a false reading as heat will build up not having anywhere to go, additionally BP are nocturnal and do not require UV.

UTH Uth are the most efficient way to provide heat (since heat travels up) however like any heat source it MUST be controlled by a thermostat so the temperatures are stable but also to avoid burns

Please read our caresheet http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ius)-Caresheet

And refer to this http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-With-Pictures!