Questions about my daughter's new BP

[Caitlin]

I just want to emphasize that Craiga is giving you good advice. The only time I put a heat mat on the side of the enclosure is when I am dealing with a young arboreal snake that will be spending all of its time out and on elevated perches. That's not the case for a Ball Python, so you'll be providing the best temperature gradient by putting the heat mat on the bottom of the enclosure so that it covers about 1/3 of the floor space. The probe goes on the bottom of the OUTSIDE of the enclosure, sandwiched between the enclosure bottom and the heat mat. You can use foil tape (like HVAC tape that you get on Amazon or at Home Depot) to hold the probe in place. Don't cover the probe tip itself with tape, though!

Be sure that the UTH is connected to a thermostat to regulate temps and prevent burns.

Belly heat is not required for digestion for any snake, but all snakes require appropriate ambient temperatures for digestion, and they need a temperature gradient in their enclosure so that they can choose to be in a warmer area or cooler areas. As Craiga mentioned, a UTH does not affect ambient temperatures. A UTH is used to create a warm spot which will be the warm end of your temperature gradient. IF the ambient temps in the room where the snake is kept never ever go below 75F, then the UTH is all you'd need. Otherwise you will need another heating element like a ceramic heat emitter or a deep heat projector or a bulb. I prefer emitters/projectors because they only emit heat, not light, so you can leave them on 24/7 if need be without stressing your snake with needless light.

If you use a CHE, projector, or bulb, be sure it's on a thermostat as well.

Your tank has a screen top, so you are going to lose humidity like crazy. To maintain the humidity your snake needs, you'll likely need to cover most of the screen top with foil/HVAC tape.

Your new Ball Python is just a baby and needs to feel very safe, enclosed, and secure - and that tank is just too bare and open right now. Add another hide or two; add clutter like fake vines on the ground. For now, you could just crumple up paper towels and put them in there till you get your vines, etc.

Being in the hide is totally normal. Ball Pythons are a shy snake and will often spend almost all of their time in their hides. If they are going to be out and about, it'll be in the middle of the night.

I also agree with Craiga that you should wait till the baby has taken about 3 meals before you handle it. There's nothing more important right now than establishing good husbandry and establishing good eating patterns. Good luck to you guys, and I hope you feel free to ask questions and get support here whenever needed!