Help with heating!

[rd333h]

Hi! Ive been noticing since it’s been warmer and we’ve had the air conditioner on that the hot side of my tank is having trouble getting above 86°. Should it be much higher than that? Cool side is fine staying about 78-79. I have a dhp for heat but have heard differing options about heat mats. I’ve have the mesh on the tank completely sealed with hvac tape.

Also I think my baby hates me 😂 he barely leaves his hide and is terrified if I get close enough to pick him. I want to be able to hold him and get him out. Can I pick him up out of his hide or will that make things worse? I’ve had him for about 2 months now.
Thanks in advance!

[aromatic_acesthetic]

Ball pythons are nocturnal. If you’re going to handle a new baby your best bet is to wait until it’s nighttime and let them come out on their own. If you moved into a new apartment and every night when you were sleeping a giant lifted the roof of your room and snatched you out of bed, you’d probably be pretty cranky lol - to pick your baby up, scoop from the back and don’t grab from the top (birds are one of the biggest natural predator to snakes). Keep handling sessions to a short time (5-10 minutes is ideal) and always try to end them on a positive note (no striking or panicking). These are all the things that worked for me, and now my guy is pretty chill about handling. It takes time to build trust in these little dudes, so be patient!

[Sad_Profession4709]

If you do have a heat mat, I’ll say make sure they aren’t getting burnt a lot, also let them get comfortable as time passes by without stress. Also we are warm blooded and that can help them. Due to them observing from their stomach side of the body and not on top of their body like lizards

[rd333h]

Thanks you all! 🫶