Quote Originally Posted by AaronP View Post
Quick Tip: This snake is 3.5', feed it a small rat not a mouse. And 2 hides is not necessary it's a preference thing (Search it, people have had success using 1 or 2 and some even 0)
Also to comment on the hide thing.

Two identical hides is what works with the majority of ball pythons, and new owners. I would suggest using two hides since your a beginner, and as a beginner people are more likely to 'fudge' a bit on other more important husbandry issues. The option of two identical hides to thermoregulate just adds additional security.
Once you 'get the swing of things' and have your BP settled in and eating regularly, it's up to you to remove the hides or not. This is just to ensure getting the BP started on a healthy eating schedule.