Hey there new member/owner with a lot of questions lol

[predatorkeeper87]

Hi! so I basically wrote the story out in my profile but I acquired a ball python under unusual circumstances. his name's Godric and he's very sweet/social. I think I'm doing all the right things as far as his care goes but any help/tips that anyone might wanna throw me would be much appreciated.

snake specs: look at my avatar. That's about how much I know. He's pretty cute right? I'd say he's close to 3' (or a meter) in length. like I said before, super sweet demeanor. he will gladly chill out on me like all day If I let him. I always have to pry him off me lol. I'd like to know more about him though for sure. anyone got an idea what his age could be? I'm not completely convinced his growth hasn't been stunted. I'm pretty sure he hasn't usually had the warmest tank locations/conditions before I got him. as for species/breed, I'm pretty sure he's a ball python and I have no clue what his breed is.

tank specs: He's in a 50 gallon tank with a heat mat underneath 1/3rd of the left side. and 2 night time heat lamps overhead of that spot a 100 watt and a 50 watt bulp. the 50 is in case the room gets too cold (the room he's in is VERY, unavoidably cold, unfortunately) that's why the water is in between those two, It's lukewarm but definitely cooler than the outside air so he can chill in it. Plus he has the other third of the tank which is much colder. it's 75°f where his hiding rock is, in the center of the tank. inside the rock is like 80°f and that's where he seems to chill for the most part. prolly cause it's the warmest spot.

I don't know if I'm able to post pictures here yet but If I can and I figure it out I totally will.

congrats on the new addition. Several things here.

1. that undertank heater NEEDS to be regulated by a thermostat. You can get a cheap one of amazon, but I highly recommend looking up the HerpStats, they are pricey but worth every penny. If that UTH isn't regulated I'd suggest unplugging it as they can get over 100 degrees quick fast and in a hurry.

2. that snake needs at the very least an overall ambient temp of 84-85 degrees. More ideal is creating a hotspot at around 90 degrees, and having a cool side at around 80 degrees. Overall the snake needs a warmer area than 80 degrees.

3. yes that is indeed a ball python lol.