Hello and welcome! 2 identical hides placed on opposite ends of the enclosure are necesary for a happy, eating ball python. Also if you are planning on using those half logs from a petstore... don't, they don't give your snake enough security with both those open ends. I suggest small plastic bowls with entrance holes cut in them. I got mine at the dollar store for less than 2 bucks and they are perfect. A digital thermometer is always best for reading temps, the dial ones are very innaccurate. Oh yea and when you do get him/her make sure you leave them alone with no handling for a week so that they can get used to their new home. Good luck.