I agree with the thermostat! It might be a bit pricy but it takes a lot of worry out of temperatures. I set it to about 85 degrees and put the probe on the hot side and the moment my thermostat hits 85 it shuts the heat off and lets it drop about 5 degrees before turning back on. My hot side is never below 80 and never higher than 85. I also like to put the probe down closer to the bottom of the tank so it gets the temperature closer to where your baby is going to be! It makes worrying a lot less.
I wouldn't worry about him hiding on one side so long as your thermometer doesn't say it's too hot. When I got my ball python for the first week he hid on his cold side because it was the first hide he found. Once they get comfortable and know they're safe, they'll move around. It could also be that if you have two different shaped hides that he likes that one better. I had a cave and a log and my ball preferred the cave every time. Once I got rid of the log and got a black plastic hut, he decided he liked that one and now uses that one more. I think your best bet is to get two versions of the hide she likes instead of two different ones. You can also make sure that the hides are a good size or similar size. If one is way bigger or way smaller, the ball python may just choose the one that fits best.
Ball pythons hide a LOT. I wouldn't worry about how much they're hiding. The head poking out means they're curious but they're still getting comfortable. I would give around 2 weeks after getting them before handling regularly. Don't handle after feeding! Give about 48 hrs after feeding before handling! They could get sick and throw up their food and that's really bad
Don't be upset if the first time you handle your ball she....well...balls. It's what they do. She's going to continue to be scared of you until she realizes that you're Mommy/Daddy! Handling is the gateway to that realization. The more they're handled safely, the more they realize you're nothing to be afraid of. Just take it slow and hold her gently. They'll warm up, literally, they end up loving your body warmth! You'll know your ball is calming down while handling when they start to explore a little bit, wrapping around your arm and trying to crawl in your sleeves to be nice and warm against your skin.
Another good idea, if not done already, is to put your snake's tank in an area where you are around a lot! But one that's still quiet at night. This gives them a chance to get accustomed to your presence and you being around. She'll realize you're around all the time and you're not hurting her, you keep giving yummy food and sometimes warm snuggles. It takes time but that fear will go away!
I don't claim to be super knowledgeable about Ball pythons. I'm still a noob but this is all stuff I've learned and been told from other BP lovers! Hope it helps!
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