Is my BP stressed/sick or am I just a worried snake mom?

[Dianne]

As SMTHook provided, you don’t have to unstick the uth, just set it up like this....

Substrate
Tub
UTH
Probe
Styrofoam

You'll need a temp gun. When your temp gun measures 90° on the tub that's the proper setting for your thermostat even though it may be set at 100°.

The temp gun is a must, and I’d also recommend that you check several points across the surface of the heat mat as some will have varying hot spots. Two of my quarantine tubs are set up with Ultratherm heat mats and Jumpstart thermostats where thermostat reading and surface temp of tub floor pretty much match to within one degree. The third tub has a Petsmart heat mat which runs 5-6 degrees hotter than the thermostat reading...it also is more variable on temperature gradient across the length and width of the heat mat than my Ultratherms. It will be discarded after this use.

Sounds like a good plan on thermometer/hygrometer probe placement. Some of us use two measurements, like you plan to do, and some just use one for ambient with spot checking by temp gun. Either works well, with everyone spot checking hot spots and cool ends with temp guns. I’m in the single Acurite thermometer/hygrometer camp because the only snake I have that doesn’t move it everywhere is my 7’ boa...all the little guys push it all over the cage.

Sphagnum moss is great to boost humidity, you can place patches around the tub or create a humid hide with it loosely stuffed into a closed container with an access hole cut in. You would soak the moss, then squeeze out the excess water. It should feel damp but not soggy. You can rinse and reuse for a while unless your little leaves a deposit in it. As for the mid-70’s temperatures, I don’t think it will do any harm for a short term drop, they would experience this in nature, just not for prolonged periods. Plus you have the hot spot for thermoregulation.

As for handling, you will learn her personality and body language. Lots of folks handle their snakes daily or every other day, with around a 48 hour break after they’ve been fed to allow digestion. I handle some of mine weekly, some only occasionally because they clearly want to be left alone. As long as she is calmly exploring or just sitting there relaxing, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. A couple of the biggest indicators of they are stressed is trying to flee (fast movements, minimal tongue flicks) or curled into a tight ball hiding their head so the big predator won’t eat them. Another indicator could be refusing to feed, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue here either. I’d say continue to enjoy yourself. You’re already demonstrating good observation skills, asking the right questions, and putting Nagini’s needs first.

And we’re all glad to help. Just be warned, they are addictive.