Hiding only on the cool side?

[Ditto]

A bit of backstory, I've been having a bit of trouble lately keeping Bo's temperatures where they should be (and humidity, but I've got that under control for now) in his tank. Hot side is good at 88-90* but the cool side keeps dropping to 76-80*, which I THINK is a pretty big issue? The tank is insulated and I'm currently using a 100 watt CHE as the only heat source, if anyone has any tips on how to get the temps up they'd be really greatly appreciated!!
But the thing is, he seems like he likes it? He pretty much only hides on the cool side unless I put him back from handling near the hot hide, but even then he usually moves back to the cold hide within a few hours. Why is he doing this? I'm honestly really confused, I could use some insight from some more experienced keepers right now lol

[Treeman]

It could be that he feels more secure on the cool side. Are the hides the same? If you have him in a glass tank, maybe is the cool side pushed up against the wall to where there's no activity (people walking past, looking in, movement, etc.) around that side. Ball pythons really have a need to feel secure and covered, so maybe, even if he does get a little cool, he feels more protected and secure on one side versus the other.

[Ditto]

It could be that he feels more secure on the cool side. Are the hides the same? If you have him in a glass tank, maybe is the cool side pushed up against the wall to where there's no activity (people walking past, looking in, movement, etc.) around that side. Ball pythons really have a need to feel secure and covered, so maybe, even if he does get a little cool, he feels more protected and secure on one side versus the other.

Both hides are the same, three sides of the tank are covered with insulation & he's in a really low traffic area in a dark corner

[royalreilly]

Those temps sound fine to me... The recommended is ~90 on the hot side and ~80 on the cool side, but 76 isn't bad. I made a similar post not too long ago, and everyone told me the temps are alright. My snake does the same thing... has cooler temps on the cool side (even lower than 76 sometimes) but favors that hide even though hides are identical, etc. Some snakes just have a preference for things a little on the cooler side I guess. It'll go to the warmer side if it wants to.
One thing you probably should consider though, is getting an uth and a thermostat for it since it sounds like you only have a che. Ball pythons really benefit from having some belly heat to help them digest their food. I have an uth and a che working together and I feel like it creates a good balance.

[Ditto]

Those temps sound fine to me... The recommended is ~90 on the hot side and ~80 on the cool side, but 76 isn't bad. I made a similar post not too long ago, and everyone told me the temps are alright. My snake does the same thing... has cooler temps on the cool side (even lower than 76 sometimes) but favors that hide even though hides are identical, etc. Some snakes just have a preference for things a little on the cooler side I guess. It'll go to the warmer side if it wants to.
One thing you probably should consider though, is getting an uth and a thermostat for it since it sounds like you only have a che. Ball pythons really benefit from having some belly heat to help them digest their food. I have an uth and a che working together and I feel like it creates a good balance.

Thanks, that makes me feel a bit better. I guess he's just a weirdo then? lol