Help for a newbie - Python On Cold Side!

[Slither Seeker]

I'm new to BP's but I have been building enclosures of my own for various critters for a couple years now. I have given up on using heat lamps whenever possible, they typically require having an open top which makes it very challenging to finally dial in humidity and temperature gradient and on a thermostat the bulbs have a tendency to burn out in short order. you might consider getting two Jump start thermostats (many folks report good luck with them and they are quite affordable), or one herpstat 2 (much more spendy but more fancy and can handle two heating sources independently). In any case, using thermostats to control an UTH at each end, one that keeps the hide more in the upper 80's, the other in the upper 70's. I learned from reading all the helpful posts on this forum that there are various temp guns that are pretty cheap, once I got one it made life so much easier, allowing me to check the actual body temperature of the snake and each hide, while relying on other thermometers to keep a general eye on temps. I track three temps, the temp in each hide and the general ambient temperature at the level where they will most likely hang out if they come out at night (making sure it's no lower than 75). Sealing up the lid most of the way helps hold humidity in too, but con't really be done with a light unless you regularly add moisture to the enclosure and you have to make sure you keep whatever you cover the tank with away from the light so it won't catch fire. taping seran wrap to the outside top is a cheap and easy way to hold moisture in. I use insulation around the side to hold in the heat or if you have the tools or some help from someone who does, turning the tank on it's side and making a plexiglass front with sliding door is very helpful... these snakes seem to appreciate a more closed in and secure home than a off the shelf glass tank, leaving one side open to see into seems like a nice compromise.

good on you for noticing your snake wasn't happy and being willing to adjust things for the better!