Don't know boas, can they eat eggs?

[Surrealle]

Me too.. I have a 36x16x18 inch tank that I originally bought for my bp to grow into, that I know is not ideal for this guy but hopefully will work for a few weeks at least. I'll be able to get an under tank heater fairly easily, and I have a thermostat I can use for him as well. Is there anything else I would need for the tank to start? Do they like to soak, or will a small water dish suffice? I'm assuming I'd feed him rats, and start him slow/small at first.. (With any luck it will take f/t, but if I have to I'll start with live.. *shudder* lol). Should I start trying to feed him the day after I get him? And how often after that, to get him going? From the sounds of things--I haven't asked directly--but it sounds like the chicken egg thing has been a recent development due to hard times, so I'd like to think the snake hasn't been on them for longer than a few months.

My bf was able to find a reptile vet that might do a checkup for free or reduced price, which would be awesome. I'm excited, and nervous. It's going to be hard not getting attached, I would love to keep him forever but I don't know if that's realistic =/. If I get deployed, getting a long-term petsitter for a little ball python will be difficult enough, I have no idea if it's possible for a 6 foot snake. Oh well.. One step at a time, eh? Lol

Anyways, thanks in advance for any advice, although I'm just looking for the basics at the moment. I don't want to trouble anyone for paragraphs of info or tips until I actually have the snake. Anything could still happen right now.