Can someone please help me with my new baby...

[redshepherd]

I'd get a temp gun and ditch the analog temp/humidity gauges... The coldest hot spot a ball python can tolerate is probably around 86, but you'd rather just get the heater and temperatures right than guess and risk stress.

[Zincubus]

Thank you!! I tried feeding him in front of his hide last night but he showed little interest and wouldn't strike.....occasionally i'd accidentally boop his nose when trying to dangle the mouse and he'd flinch and withdraw my poor baby haha

We'll certainly avoid any contact ( even the mouse whiskers !) plus the important part of my little procedure is the heating up in between each attempt at offering and offering immediately whilst it's warm ...

[Zincubus]

I'd get a temp gun and ditch the analog temp/humidity gauges... The coldest hot spot a ball python can tolerate is probably around 86, but you'd rather just get the heater and temperatures right than guess and risk stress.

Yep a digital temp gun is a good idea .... the ones off eBay work fine and they're only £10 or 16 dollars or whatever..