The cost of starting breeding is greatly according to the type breeing projects you want to get into, plus caging, husbandry materials, food, ect. A vet visit to sex a snake will be a visit cost, I suggest finding a breeder near you or at a show to sex them and maybe even teach you how to. Yes a tstat keeps the temps in a bator controlled at a set temp, usually 88-90 degrees, according to the breeder.