Simple snake noob questions

[MissterDog]

Nope. Very common newbie mistake... A thermostat is what regulates the heat source, so that your snake doesn't get burned or cooked alive, depending on what heat source you got.
Something like this if you're currently on a budget:
https://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-Contro...mostat+reptile

Or a herpstat, which is the best kind and will last you years or for most of the lifetime of the snake:
https://www.spyderrobotics.com/index...products_id=24

A temp gun is "aim at a spot and tells the temp".

A digital thermometer is what you place in the enclosure to get the ambient temp.

You need all of these things, but the thermostat is the #1 most important for the immediate safety of the animal.

Also, it really only takes following a good caresheet to get all the basics right. Just stick to this one and follow it to a T and make things easier: https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...s%29-Caresheet

Seconding Herpstats 100%


Jumpstarts are a great starter thermostat but keep in mind they will not be as accurate as a proportional thermostat like Herpstats. Jumpstart is an on/off style of thermostat meaning it can only go from 0% to 100% full power, instead of gradually like portional ones. It's also worth mentioning they have a shorter lifespan, unfortunately they are prone to needing to be replaced within a year or so.


However if you are in a tight budget the Jumpstart is a good placeholder until you can upgrade to a Herpstat. I PROMISE the lifespan and reliability of a Herpstat is sooooo worth the upfront cost! Plus they look snazzy!