Hey,

First regarding the temps... That IMO is the most important. I'd say 96 - 97 is ok, as long as the cool side is low enough. If you can get a little more ventilation that would help get the temps down if you can't turn the thermostat down any more. I keep mine between 94 and 96 on the hot side.

It also makes a big difference if that 96 is ambient temp or surface temp of the substrate. If it is ambient, that means the surface is quite a bit hotter, which isn't good. To check surface you need a infrared Thermometer. PE-2 is very good. Pro-exotics, you can get them from ebay or their website.

Next I would worry about Humidity. A bigger water dish can help that if it's too low, or different substrate.

Then Hides.

Then feeding. Ball pythons can go for months without food, if they are adults. Not generally good, but if they're young they should be eating at least every week. Just keep a close eye on it, if it's body is rounded out it's good, if it's body starting to look triangular it's losing weight, and something should be done. I lost my first bp because it wouldn't eat, but I believe it had a RI from the pet store... very sad.

Sorry if you didn't need the rest of the info.

JB