I'm trying to prepare myself for a baby BP that I'll hopefully be getting at Repticon this July. I've kept BP's before, but it's been almost five years, and I've opted for a simpler set-up this time around to be more cost efficient and to make the care taking less of a chore. I just wanted to make sure that what I already have and the things I have in mind sound sufficient.

So far I have...
- 15 qt sterilite tub with locking lid (although, after messing with it, I think I will have to do some modifications to make it a bit more secure. Any suggestions?)

- 2 hides, salvaged from my tupperware/plastic bowls

- Water dish, also native to my tupperware cabinet

- Aspen bedding (It doesn't have to be the brand specifically for snakes, does it? What I have is a whole extra bag that we never used for some rodents. It is made for animals though, if that matters)

- Soldering iron, found in my garage (for the holes). I have never used one and don't even really know how to, so I'm going to ask my stepdad to put the holes in the tub for me. Is there anything specific I should know or should tell him?

What I still need to get (saving up/planning).....

- Ultratherm 11x17" heating pad from RBI. I was planning on getting it big so I can get the most use out of it, and I will just put it under half of the tub, as long as that is safe?

- Acu-Rite 00891 digital thermometer/hydrometer.

- Hydrofarm digital thermostat for heat mats. I believe this is made for gardening, but someone recommended it to me and all of the reviews are really good.


Is there a glaring hole in this set-up that I'm unaware of? Any suggestions? I do still need to check and make sure that a local petshop carries frozen rodents, because I'm pretty sure Petsmart doesn't.

Thanks.