Quote Originally Posted by L.West View Post
Hi, congrats on your first snake. One thing I would change is to put some sort of background picture like aquariums use to provide some privacy. Snakes like to feel secluded.

It is always best to have two identical hides. The type of log you have are not the best choice. They are open on each end and dont supply the privacy they need. They are also hard to clean when pooped on.

Hot side temps shouldn't be over 90. Cool side at 78-80.

Other than that, it seems like you've done your homework.

I'm sure others will chime in also. Best of luck to you.
Quote Originally Posted by Jmarshall View Post
I am extremely new to ball pythons as well but I will pass on the information that I have read and received. The thermostat probe shouldn’t be in the cage with the snake (the snake could move, drag, lay on, pee on etc.) which could cause UTH to sky rocket to unsafe levels. The thermostat probe should be taped between tank and UTH. I have also heard recommendations to black out three sides of a glass aquarou
for privacy, i would think the CHE should be on a thermostat eventually to keep it regulated.. these are the recommendations I feel comfortable giving.

These are both great replies.
- Some important things I'll reiterate are: hot spot should be 90 tops.
- ALL heat sources, including CHEs should be regulated by a thermostat. This will A) prevent dangerous heat spikes and B) regulate the temps rather than heat up, cool down, heat up, cool down.
- the probe 100% needs to be OUTSIDE the enclosure. It's not a matter of "if" but a matter of "when" the probe gets moved. Your BP is 10000% definitely strong enough to move that log hide. Even if it miraculously DOESN'T get moved it'll get peed on.
- get your snake a second proper hide, it's only a few bucks and your snake will be able to thermoregulate properly, allowing for proper digestion while adding a sense of security that BPs need.

Other than that, you're off to a good start.x zx