Getting a new baby soon

[Cheshire_Python]

Hey everyone! So it's been a couple years since I've posted on here though I've browsed often enough
Buuut I've hit that time where I've become comfortable enough to expand my family so to speak, partly because I've wanted another snake for a while, and also because I work with a young woman who actually doesn't really know how to take care of her new baby and has been looking to find someone else to take him.
So here's the main body of my post I guess hehe. He's a baby, only 18 inches in length. I'm going to have to get him a new enclosure because the one she's been using him in is, first of all, WAY too big for his size, and second, is her boyfriends tank and he won't get rid of it. I currently can't afford a tank, so I've been thinking of a rubbermaid tub (I've read around the last few days and seen more than one post/site mention these are fine) I was just wondering what any of you might think would be a good size. I want to get it ready before I go pick up the lil guy tomorrow night. I'm pretty sure the only thing I need is the enclosure, she's already got a UTH and hidey, I've got bedding of course because I need easy access to it for Skittles . But yea, sorry long post, small question LOL. Thanks guys!

[WingedWolfPsion]

Most UTHs are not designed to be used with plastic tanks--you'll need to read the instructions for the one that's been provided. If it's not, it would be safest not to try using it with a plastic bin. Plus, most UTHs that stick on cannot be removed and then re-used.

A temporary solution is a human heating pad (hunt carefully for the kind without an automatic shutoff, as most have those these days) set to low--check temps carefully. You can adjust temps without a rheostat by elevating the bin over the heat pad--raise it to lower temps, lower it to raise them. A low-end human heating pad with no shut-off can be found for as little as $13.

How big a bin you buy depends on how long you intend to keep him in there, but then again, you can always buy a bigger bin, they're pretty cheap. I'd start with an 18 quart sweater box.

You'll want something more reliable and sophisticated in the long run.

[Cheshire_Python]

I don't really intend to keep him in it too long, just a few weeks to a month, until I can save up enough money to afford a bigger tank that would suit an adult, so I can section it off in the beginning then progressively enlarge the accessible area until he's fit for the full available length. Good money saver, especially since our economy's down the hole at the moment and I drive an anti-economic gas guzzler xD.

You're right though, I didn't think about the whole UTH and plastic tank thing. Good thing I mentioned it . I hadn't thought about a human heating pad because I'd been told never to use them, but I guess this circumstance wasn't in mind at the time. Thanks for your reply

[Inknsteel]

I use the Zoo Med UTHs you can get at any local pet store on my tubs. I just hook them up to a thermostat so it regulates the temp and it works perfectly.

[JayBP]

I use both Zoo med and exo terra heat pads and I haven't had a problem with either one. They're both on a light dimmer and stay between 89-94 degrees. You can find these at just about any pet store(Petco, Petland, Petsmart, etc)

[Cheshire_Python]

That's great, thanks guys. I picked up a Zoo Med UTH today, it's perfect =]

[cinderbird]

That's great, thanks guys. I picked up a Zoo Med UTH today, it's perfect =]

like the above posters said as well, make sure you have something controlling the UTH to keep it at the right temp. if they are just plugged into the socket the temperature could soar to over 110 degrees F and seriously injure your little guy.

A quality thermostat or a rheterostat would work.