Pastel Desert Ghost male shedding

[Homebody]

My BP does have two hides but it isn't as interested in the hide on the cooler side as it is on the warmer side. I'm assuming this is because they aren't the exact same hides so it'll favour one more than the other because it feels more secure, I'll buy a 2nd hide of the one that it favours the most and put that in place of the one on the cooler side so they're both exactly the same. I'm assuming they should both be the same anyway?

Yes. The warm and cool side hides should be the same. This is so that the snake will properly thermoregulate. You don't want a hot snake hanging out on the warm side because he likes that hide better. If the hides are the same, it will choose the hide that best fits its temperature needs.

And your bp may be favoring its warm side hide because the cool side is too cool. I'd slowly (degree by degree over hours, even days) raise your temps by about 5F degrees. If you haven't done so, you should review the forum's care guide for ball pythons. It's very helpful for new keepers.