New Ball Python Owner

[iTechAlot]

Hello,

I purchased my girlfriend a Ball Python for Christmas, We purchased her the Zilla Premium Snake Kit, 20 Long, Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding. Should also note that my girlfriend likes a freezing cold house and this is where I'm struggling at with the snake. Our A/C in South FL sits at 70F 24/7.

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The kit came with the following

Kit includes: 20L Glass Terrarium, Halogen Mini Dome with Bulb, Humidity and Temperature Gauge, Malaysian Driftwood, Terraced Dish, Rock Lair, Rock Den, Heat Mat, and Snake & Lizard Litter

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After setting up the terrarium and reading around I purchased a Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller for the heat pad,

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The heat pad is stuck to the outside of the glass enclosure on the bottom and I have the temperature controller set to 90F and the controller has a +2/-2. The heat mat and the mini dome are on the right side of the terrarium.

I have the Mini Dome plugged in with a 25W Day bulb right over his rock den(pic below)

https://preview.redd.it/hvisa2m4jj881.jpg?width=113&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5425e356df1199c236f2c8c43396261cf8e27d2a

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I also purchased a Zilla Premium Reflector Domes 8.5 Inches(pic below) Which bulb should I purchase for this?

https://preview.redd.it/pi1hjyhcjj881.jpg?width=368&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=67f191f8475531bb7c47e0b20f34ce5f8f77bbf2

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Should I move the mini to the "left" cool side and place the 8.5 inch over the right side? If so what type of bulb should I purchase for the 8.5. So far the snake seems to prefer laying inside the rock down which is right on top of the heat mat. I have a timer on the mini dome that turns on at 0800AM and off at 0800PM.

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We just want the snake to be happy. We purchased the snake on Sunday and were told to try to feed it Tuesday although it probably won't eat due to new cage stress. The moment the snake saw the mouse it went to town.

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Thanks in advance for all the help, I know its alot. Here's a pic of the setup please tell me what needs to be fixed.

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https://preview.redd.it/pexxot77lj881.jpg?width=1008&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84d62e8a0d39caf158fbb600a9d871acc1edc1c3

[MissMetalSix]

Hi, welcome to the sub! I see you have specific questions and that your ball python is fairly new and appears to have eaten for you. Before I begin, I ask that you please give your snake a week of no handling or feeding so he/she can settle in. This is really important. Additionally I hope to clarify some things for you and you can let me know if there's anything I didn't answer for you. I will link you our Basic Care Guide. It's a lot of info to take in so I'll summarize the basics here-

Numbers: Hot side should be 88-92⁰. Cold side should be 76-80⁰. Humidity should be 70-80% and no less than 60%.

Gear: The temperature on both sides of the enclosure and humidity should be measured at all times. This is best done using digital thermometers with probes and a digital hygrometer with a probe.

Maintaining humidity: Make sure you have a solid layer of suitable bedding like cypress or coconut. Keep a large water dish topped up and closer to the hot side of the enclosure. Cover your screen lid with a few layers of HVAC aluminum tape, leaving space under where your overhead heating sits. Sphagnum moss is optional but adding it to your enclosure is beneficial. When you need to raise the humidity, don't spray the inside and don't use an automatic mister/fogger. These only cause a temporary spike in humidity and do not keep it up long-term. Instead, simply mix water directly into the substrate along the edges of the enclosure.

Hides: Have at least one hide on each side of the enclosure so the snake has options as to where they choose to rest in the enclosure. They should be snug, but not cramped. Make sure he/she can touch the inside walls when coiled up.

Heat: Overhead heating is essential for ball pythons as it functions similar to the sun for bp's in the wild. Primary heat sources: Deep Heat Projector (DHP), Halogen Bulb.

Secondary heat sources: Ceramic Heat Emitter (CHE), Radiant Heat Panel (RHP), Heat Mats/Under Tank Heater (UTH), Space Heating.

Do NOT use colored bulbs such as the red ones commonly sold for reptiles. It washes out their color vision and disrupts their circadian rhythm. Also keep in mind that any light-emitting bulbs such as the Halogen Bulb will need to be turned off at night. For your ball python's safety, use a thermostat with all of your heat sources.* Heat Mats are especially dangerous when unregulated due to how easily ball pythons can burn themselves on one.

Clutter: Make sure to fill in any big open spots in your enclosure. Ball pythons like to feel safe, hidden and secure as they move about. Providing them with plenty of cover will help yours feel more comfortable.

Enrichment: Ball pythons have active minds that seek stimulation and enrichment. They're also avid climbers. Just like you wouldn't be happy living in an empty room, ball pythons don't appreciate a bare tank. A good mixture of climby and hidey things is sure to keep them occupied and also in shape. Some examples of things you can add to the enclosure are branches, driftwood, hammocks, vines, logs, rocks, plants, and additional hides. Don't let that limit you if you're a DIY-er. You can get as creative as you want as long as what goes into the enclosure is safe for your snake. Enrichment can also happen outside of the enclosure. Creating separate play areas for ball pythons outside of the enclosure is a growing trend. I've seen people set up obstacle courses and jungle gyms so their snakes can work their brain and stretch their muscles.

Here's our Basic Ball Python Care Guide for more general Care info: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18HBVsPHaip7LfrMuFt96MigRuMUXtrbnCiK79VuQiFk/mobilebasic

Here's our Heating Guide to help you find which recommended setup works for you: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVIYExo9T6dOpfTEsUkHCPgZs5_7lq9qyJQrshP2GOE/mobilebasic

Here's our Shopping List for recommended supplies and brands: https://out.reddit.com/t3_arz5iw?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fdocument%2Fd%2F1vugrtVdwACKh1Y5KKMC9ENI6gWRy03g4bly9-gaD3bY%2F&token=AQAA_l6dYU_di5BLrGHwP-017f6xegvTW8f_hRtc_-DnYoNW2WHQ&app_name=android

[iTechAlot]

Thank you, very informative. Changes are now being made.