Quote Originally Posted by Sallysmom View Post
Hey there!
Welcome to the forum it’s pretty awesome! There hasn’t been a single question I had that wasn’t answered here.
I’ll start with saying that you shouldn’t handle your snake at all until
ita had three consecutive meals for you without a refusal to make sure it’s properly adjusted to the new home and unstressed. Also keep in mind that after feeding snake should be left alone for 48 hours.
You need two hides for your baby. One on either side of the tank. The tank should have a temperature gradient so the snake can properly thermoregulate with hot side around 89-90 cold side 78-80 and ambient temp 80. Humidity is best kept at 60 and bumped up to 70-80 during the shed. Make sure the substrate isn’t damp to prevent the scale rot issues.
Analog gague is a no-no. Go and get an accurite (about 10$ at Walmart) to measure ambient temperature and humidity. Even the smallest difference from the norm can cause stress and make your snake refuse meals.
You did mention that your heat pad is controlled by thermostat? If that’s the case great if not you need to get a thermostat ASAP.
Those are main points I have. But let’s see if more experienced keepers will have something to add
Yes, heat pad is controlled by thermostat! The hot side (where her hide is) is always between 27 - 31 Celsius and ambient temp ranges from 80 - 84 (thought I have to keep the lamp on all the time to keep the ambient temp up).

I use paper towel for the substrate. It dries very quickly after misting.

I'll go to Walmart this weekend and get the gauge you recommended for sure. Is "Accurite" the brand? I have a regular digital thermometer measuring the ambient heat and a thermostat connected to the heat pad measuring/controlling THAT temperature.

I know not to handle her at least 48 hours after feeding, and I will keep the handling to a serious minimum when I move her into her new home on Sunday.