Quote Originally Posted by Lyle View Post
So here's an update I guess lol: I tried offering her food tonight and she not only refused but was very clearly in defense mode and tried to snap at me. So I'll leave her alone until next week. I felt kind of bad even trying because after I left her alone she still stayed in the S shape for a few minutes. I know this is silly to say but I hope she doesn't hate me and I hope I'm doing everything that's required of me. Right now I'm just using the heat lamp the past owner gave me but it's kinda frustrating trying to make sure the heat and humidity are always where they're supposed to be. I have a UTH but I don't want to use it until my thermostat comes in the mail this week. I've heard humidity is more regulated with a UTH but it's so difficult to keep moisture in the tank with a heat lamp . And I have two thermometers one on the cool side one on the basking side, I know it's silly but it makes me less paranoid about the temps and the humidity.
Previously you noted that the snake "seems very friendly", but after the introduction of the mouse she seems snappy? I am not there, so obviously I don't have much information, but is it possible she was snapping at the mouse? Was it live or frozen/thawed?

You really shouldn't feel bad for trying. Many people, myself included, have had snakes eat the day after arrival without issue. It is perhaps more typical for them to feed after a week or so, but by no means is it always the case. Also, as you have no doubt discovered, heat lamps are the bane of humidity. A UTH will make it much easier to regulate and lots of keepers use two thermometers like yours are set up (one on the cool side and one on the warm side), so you are hardly silly.