So you had a bp before and got rid of it and even though you already knew of this site and have been a member you still failed to have the proper equipment before getting a new snake? I don't get it. Please tell me your using a heat lamp and the uth is not plugged in yet.

I would leave the skin alone and allow your new snake to ease into its new home.

As for a cheap tstat, I think the low end Herpstats are where its out. $100-130 range and if you check around you can find them used at good prices. http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

You are going to be told of other cheap options like the hydrofarm commonly bought on Amazon. I bought one seeing some many people talk about them and it failed in three months. It failed ON and since then I will no longer recommend them.