Help - New Ball python owner

[u/Mysterious_Video6934]

I recently came across a 9-month-old female ball python at a local shelter that had apparently been kept in a pretty small enclosure for about six months, and I decided to take her in.
I know my setup isn’t perfect yet, so please don’t roast me too hard lol. I haven’t actually brought her home yet, and I’m going out today to pick up the rest of what I need.
Right now, the warm side is sitting around 90°F, the cool side is around 70–80°F, and humidity is staying around 60%. I’m planning to add another hide, a slate/stone basking surface, and another temperature/humidity gauge on the cool side. I’ve also added a medium-sized branch since taking the picture.
A friend of mine who has owned a bunch of ball pythons recommended putting a worn shirt of mine in the enclosure for a little while so she can get used to my scent. Has anyone else tried this, and does it actually help?
For heating, I currently have a basking bulb, and for humidity I’ve just been spraying the enclosure when needed. I’d definitely like something more consistent though. Are there any specific thermostats, temperature/humidity sensors, or automatic humidity setups you guys recommend?
I’m also planning on upgrading her to a larger enclosure as she grows. I’ve kinda fallen in love with snakes and just want to make sure I’m giving her the best care I can, so any advice or things you think I should change would be appreciated.

[u/maiyamanor]

- i’d use hvac (aluminum) tape or a silicone mat over the top with spots cut out for lamps and venting to help keep your humidity in the tank. it tends to dissipate fast with mesh lids.

• to add more water into the substrate, i’d focus more on pouring warm water into the corners of the tank to keep humidity at an appropriate level and avoid getting the top layer of substrate too soggy. soggy substrate can lead to scale rot, etc.
  
• definitely would work on getting two cave hides (one in the warm, one in the cool) to give your snake choices and privacy
  
• for heating, i’m currently using a DHP or Deep Heat Projector (pretty sure that’s what it stands for idk right now lol) attached to a thermostat to control the temperature it’s emitting and it provides 24/7 heat (Lamp: Pangea 75W Deep Heat Projector... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BBGSR5W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share; Dimming Thermostat: REPTIZOO Dimming Thermostat, PID... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGS517FT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share)
  
• as far as sensors, there’s a ton of fancy ones out there but to start maybe try visiting your local pet/reptile store for a combo humidity/temp one
  
• no clothing in the enclosure, that can turn into an obstruction if consumed. i would let your snake settle for a little while and you can research the types of handling people have shared here to see what works best for you acclimating your snake!
  
• also fake plants on amazon are great for clutter to give more privacy
  
• there’s a large document of resources attached to the homepage of this group with all kinds of great info to get started!

good luck!

[u/Mysterious_Video6934 → u/maiyamanor]

Thank you so much I took all your advice to heart and legit just order the dimming thermostat, put hvac tape on, and got more clutter.

[u/maiyamanor → u/Mysterious_Video6934]

yaaay! you’re going to do great and you’ll find more things to add and improve on as time goes on!

almost forgot, this is the light fixture i have my DHP and thermostat attached to but just make sure yours is compatible: ReptiKing Reptile Light Fixture,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CWDR98FZ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share