Don't feel bad or ever think something you did wasn't good enough. You are clearly trying and want to do the best for your new baby, I am new to keeping snakes too so I understand wanting to do your very best! I am always thinking about things and worrying! Anyhow, here's my 2 cents based on what I've learned so far:
1. Mine was also skittish the first few days. I didn't really see him at all. Though all snakes are different I can almost guarantee it will go away. I have had Floyd about two weeks now and he is already more active and inquisitive, he seems more interested in the household goings-on every day and not so worried about constantly hiding. I think the general consensus is wait a week before handling. I handled Floyd for about a minute on the third day, to switch out his newspaper, but other than that left him be for the first week, after which I handled him briefly then fed him. I now hold him every few days (wait 48 hours after eating!) for about 10 min at a time and he seems to be "enjoying" it so far, no panicking or trying to get away. I keep it short though so he doesn't get anxious, and stay near the viv in case he makes a run for it (not yet so far), then I can at least aim him back into his home!
I wouldn't trust the strip thermometers, I have one just to tell me the ambient room temp but even that's not great, and it definitely won't tell you the temp of the floor where your baby can burrow to, to warm up. Are you regulating your UTH? You need a thermostat or rheostat to keep the temp constant. Because you're in Calgary too I would recommend Pisces off McKnight, I bought my Zoo Med thermostat there and they also have rheostats for a bit cheaper. For a thermometer, get the round digital Zoo Med yellow one, cheap and effective! Make sure probes are against the glass right over the UTH. Be careful if you have an unregulated UTH, the day I bought my thermostat, mine had gotten to almost 90 degrees! Yikes, too hot.
As far as the lamp goes, it may warm the air up a bit but I have read that excessive bright light can be stressful for babies, so maybe only keep it on a bit during the day and turn it off at night? If you have a UTH I wouldn't worry too much about adding extra air heat, but if it is unregulated DEFINITELY buy a thermostat or rheostat! Basking bulbs aren't generally needed for corn snakes.
Don't be scared! I was too at first but there are so many great people on here that want to help and answer questions, all you have to do it ask
. If you need any help with anything specific to our area please don't hesitate to ask, I've already gone around and searched for stuff here in the city so if you need any supplies and can't find them let me know and I will help you find whatever you need!
