Thanks for the insight on the use of thermostats. Unfortunately, I did not know that a thermostat was necessary to prevent the heating mat from overheating and I thought that a timer would be enough. I have ordered a thermostat and it will be arriving today. In addition to this, I have an update on the poor ball python. I brought it back to PetSmart and when I described its condition and showed the snake to the employee, she instantly recognized it and told me that the snake had been snake ever since it arrived at the store. I have also reported the possibility of the ball python having IBD so that she would take extra precautions. Unfortunately, when I asked her if the ball python would be okay, she said that it was most likely not going to be alright (possible euthanasia?). Perhaps this situation was caused on my behalf due to the absence of a thermostat (however, I still have doubts that the ball python overheated in my care).
P.S. PetSmart was able to exchange the sick snake for another and it is doing excellent right now! It is exemplifying normal ball python behavior and I am closely observing it for any ailments, etc.
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