Very cold

[Bogertophis]

I've been wondering something similar. My BP stays on his cool side nearly exclusively ever since he moved to the tub. His hides on both ends are the same, it's the perfect gradient of 90 on the hot side, 80 in the middle and mid 70's on the cool end. Maybe just because the weather's still warm here (even in the basement) so he doesn't feel the need for extra warmth at this time?

The OP's "hot side" is a bit over 93*- which IS too warm- & that's assuming that the temperatures are accurate as taken- but what if they're a bit off?

If you're offering "the perfect gradient" then it's not the same thing- snakes know what they need & when they need it. They manage to survive in the wild by slowing their metabolism according to the seasons & availability of food. It may be that there is less light in his "tub", & right now the day lengths ARE getting visibly shorter, indicating to snakes that fall is here & winter won't be far behind, so maybe it's time to think less about eating. It's thought that snakes pay attention not only to temperatures but also day-lengths, which is why they should always be provided a "photo-period".

[Snagrio]

The OP's "hot side" is a bit over 93*- which IS too warm- & that's assuming that the temperatures are accurate as taken- but what if they're a bit off?

If you're offering "the perfect gradient" then it's not the same thing- snakes know what they need & when they need it. They manage to survive in the wild by slowing their metabolism according to the seasons & availability of food. It may be that there is less light in his "tub", & right now the day lengths ARE getting visibly shorter, indicating to snakes that fall is here & winter won't be far behind, so maybe it's time to think less about eating. It's thought that snakes pay attention not only to temperatures but also day-lengths, which is why they should always be provided a "photo-period".

That's something else I've been curious about (and I'm terribly sorry for going off topic). How is it that a tropical species reacts in a similar fashion to seasonal changes that a more temperate species would? Is it some sort of overall instinctual behavior that can be applied to their native range that's been repurposed (wet/dry seasons for example)? Or have they adapted over time from being bred in captivity and react accordingly to seasonal changes of other regions? If not a bit of both.

[Bogertophis]

That's something else I've been curious about (and I'm terribly sorry for going off topic). How is it that a tropical species reacts in a similar fashion to seasonal changes that a more temperate species would? Is it some sort of overall instinctual behavior that can be applied to their native range that's been repurposed (wet/dry seasons for example)? Or have they adapted over time from being bred in captivity and react accordingly to seasonal changes of other regions? If not a bit of both.

Assuming captive snakes are being provided their natural temperature range to begin with, I think they instinctively react to temperature, humidity & light cues- and they never look at calendars.

[EL-Ziggy]

How old is your snake and how long have you had him? If your snake is eating and otherwise seems healthy then what’s the worry? They’re cold blooded animals so they will be cold to our touch. As long as they have a proper thermal gradient they will move between climate zones as they see fit. I have several snakes that only use their warm sides when they’re digesting a meal. I do agree that your hot side is a little high and your cool side is a little low but neither are life threatening. Snakes are often exposed to higher and lower temps but an 88/75 gradient would be better.