Quick and urgent solutions for a bp lover on a budget!

[roboticsundaes]

Hello everyone,

I'm getting my first bp quite unexpectedly tonight, and may need to run out to buy some extra provisions. Now, I'm wondering what are the best things to get for cheap that are still accurate? I can't order online, but I can go to pet stores, target, Home Depot, etc. I'm thinking that I will need a thermometer/hydrometer (digital of course), and probably a thermostat (not just a light dimmer), as I don't think this rescue will come with these things. So what are the best products that can be found at common stores? I've been looking through Target and Walmart's thermometers and am getting terribly confused since I'm not sure which ones have probes. Links for stuff that is sold in-store and product names would be greatly appreciated! If it helps any, I'm in San Jose, CA.

Thanks ladies and gents,
Kat

[Keyboard Warrior]

Heating pad is a must. A reptile one, not a human one. A thermometer to regulate the heating pad, because it will get too hot. Two identical hides, a water bowl, Thermometer/Hydrometer, and substrate. I know places like Home Depot sell types of substrate, don't buy it from them, because they aren't cured to get rid of things like mites, which can be a real problem in Bp's. Get it from a pet store.

My recommendations:

http://lllreptile.com/load-image/Sto...age/image/3874 - Any Pet Store

http://www.reptilesupply.com/images/096316680203.jpg - Any Pet store

http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/cat...ages/aspen.jpg - Any pet store

http://www.songbirdgarden.com/store/...URITE00891.jpg - Walmart

[roboticsundaes]

Thanks for your reply. I know all of the requirements, I just need a quick solution for a thermostat and thermo/hydrometer. Do you know of any cheaper digital thermostats that are in the $30 range that could be found? I really hate dealing with non-digital stuff.

[Keyboard Warrior]

That accurite is $12 at walmart.

The thermostat on the other hand is one of the pricey items, that you really can't go without. It's cheaper to buy online. But if you can't afford it at the moment, I suggest buying a cheap plug in dimmer. It will control the output of heat, but it needs to be regulated because room temperature's often fluctuate and change the output of heat. You can buy them for $10 at Lowes or Home Depot.

Another thing you need is a temp gun. Another somewhat pricey item. You can get them at Radioshack or a pet store for around $30-$40. You need to know how hot certain spots get, because your BP can get burned or it can get too cold. The accurite only monitors ambient temps. The temp gun monitors hot and cold sides.

I know its overwhelming, but ensuring proper humidity keeps your ball python happy and healthy, and it ensures that he eats. It's a hefty investment, but once you procure all your necessary items, you won't really have to buy them again, unless for some reason they stop working.

[OtterGoRun]

Great list. Be careful with what you get for cheap and what you don't... some things are worth the extra money in the long run, such as a good thermostat and cured substrate that is free of pests. It is not worth it to pinch pennies now and end up with a huge vet bill later. Snakes are just kind of expensive to set up, but very cheap once they are set.

[OtterGoRun]

I disagree about the temp guns. There are digital thermometers/hygrometers with dual probes that can be found for 20-25 bucks. A temp gun is nice, but not a requirement if you have a good thermometer and thermostat IMO.

[mark and marley]

where do you live?i have an extra heat pad.(scorpions dont use it).and i have a cheap stick on hygrometer that is surprisingly accurate and consistant with my digital and expensive stick on hygro.

[Skittles1101]

Home Depot carries the Acurite thermometers...and some stores may carry the hygrofarm thermostat, mine in my area didn't though. If you get a heat pad you will need a thermostat, BUT if it's only temporary you can get a $10 lamp dimmer from Home Depot until you can order the one you want. Temp guns are definitely helpful...I LOVE mine and is well worth the money, but like Otter said it's not necessary. I do recommend them though. Home Depot has them too for about $30 if you were interested.

[roboticsundaes]

Thanks for the posts. Again, I don't know what comes with the setup yet, I'm just making sure I have temporary backup plans if some things are not included. I know the costs, so these things are just temporary until I can get high quality things, I've even considered getting a Herpstat in the future. I probably will be going the lamp dimmer route for now if I need to. Thank you for the suggestions!

[roboticsundaes]

I live in San Jose, CA.

If these things aren't included, I will be going to Home Depot for the lamp dimmer and to see if the nearby one has an Accurite thermometer. If they don't, I'll stop by Walmart for it as well as some black construction paper to help block out the sides to make the little guy feel more secure.