A few BP questions!

[Quacking-Terror]

Hello again everyone. I posted a few days ago about interest in purchasing a BP. I've done a lot of research since then, both on this site and others, and should be getting a 1.5 year old male BP in a couple days from his previous owner. I was hesitant to buy from a pet store because of the bad rap they have with so many other animals and this man is looking to rehome his apparently very tame BP.

Anyway, back on topic. I have a few questions that I haven't found answers to quite yet. If some of you would be kind enough to assist me in my quest for knowledge, I would greatly appreciate it.

1) I haven't seen a really good picture of him, but how long should I expect a 1.5 year old male BP to be?
2) What size tank should I have for him? He comes with one, but I'm not sure on the size.
3) If I can't get an UTH right away, would a heat lamp be okay for a week or so?
4) How large should each hide be if I want my snake to be comfortable yet snug?

Thank you in advance, this is a great site and I've learned a lot so far from everybody that has posted.

Rick

[RichsBallPythons]

1. Depends on how much it was fed and if it had a decent growth spurt. I have 09s ranging from 600-1500grams.
2. At his age he could be in a 20 gallon tank or 28qt tub with no problems.
3.Heat lamps is fine as long as you use a RED infrared or ceramic heat emitter.
4.Just large enough to fit the snake inside tightly. No logs

[Alexandra V]

If you use a light or heat emitter, you've got to make absolutely sure that there's no way the snake can ever actually touch it, because they'll get burned.

Don't use a log hide, you can't clean them easily and they're open on both ends so they're pretty useless as hides... Just get one that'll just fit the snake. Maybe ask at the pet store what size you should get, and they might be able to give you a suggestion (depending on how competent the people at your local pet store are)

[Quacking-Terror]

Okay, thank you everyone. There has been a slight change of plans. We are getting a seven year old snake instead because, while it is friendly and tame, the owners lost interest, to quote them "the novelty of owning a snake has worn off.", and I can't in good conscience sit here and adopt a younger smaller one knowing that one is suffering.