thanks for the responses! i did make sure there was no loose metal on the edges of the mesh. and i wasnt sure if i could use a different kind of mesh that wouldnt burn with a heat light. and yes there is going to be a lip across the front about 2 inches high. im going to use coconut fiber bedding. and im painting the insides as im typing this with a nontoxic paint and am goign to be letting it sit with the heat and everything just to double check that its ok and no fumes are goign to be with it. its still a work in progress it should be complete with heal lights and suck by next week im ordering the flexwatt tonight. and i went to the dollar store and bought some bowls to use as hides. i hope there not too small. shouldnt be. but ill be posting more pictures tonight with the inside painted! thanks for the imput . also what kind of mesh can i use that is harmless to the snakes? thanks!

also would it work if i moved the mesh to theoutside of the cage instead?