Noob help!

[Shakedownskye]

I was recently given what I was told is an approximately 1 year old pastel ball python by my ex who no longer wanted to care for it. The snake, who was named Draco by my 9 year old, came with a 50 gallon fish tank retrofitted with a mesh lid and clips and a few other sad accoutrements. We have since replaced the substrate with Zilla Lizard Litter at the suggestion of our local pet supply store, bought a hide box rock, placed climbing sticks in the tank, a heat bulb on top, a heating pad underneath, and a fresh water bowl. He's fed live large mice or small rats(depending on what the pet store has in stock) once a week, his litter is changed once per month. And his water is changed two to three times weekly. He is constantly trying to escape. He's made three successful attempts so far, with each escape route being addressed accordingly but he still wants out, making me feel like he's not happy in his home. What, if anything, can we be doing better for him? Even though he's an unexpected addition to our family, I'm not entirely new to snakes and absolutely want to care for him in the best ways possible. I'm beginning to look for new enclosures as well and definitely need some suggestions, if possible. Thank you!

[KMG]

When you say "heat pad" do you mean a under tank heater meant for animal use?

A uth should have a thermostat hooked up so the uth is kept at the proper temp and does no enter a danger zone which is capable of burning and even killing your snake.

As for the escapes it sounds like you need a better cage that is appropriate for keeping a snake. Glass tanks are much harder to maintain the proper conditions and PVC is the usual go to suggestion for most. That's not to say a glass tank can not work as it most certainly can, they just many times require a bit more work.

As for finding a new cage I would check your local Craigslist as their is usually somebody who is getting out of the hobby or has upgraded and looking to get rid of their old cage.

Other than that you can find everything you ever want to know by searching the forum here.

[Yzmasmom]

The heat pad needs a thermostat or it will get too hot and burn the snake. Sandwich the thermostat probe between the pad and the glass and then have a digital thermometer probe sitting on the glass over the heat pad. You want the hot side at 90 and then use another digital thermometer on the cool side and keep it at 80.
You will also need two identical hides - one on the hot side and one on the cold.
You will need a digital hygrometer to measure humidity, which needs to be between 50% and 60% and during a shed between 70% and 80%. You can mist the tank to keep the humidity up. You can put packing tape or saran wrap over the mesh lid to keep the humidity in, but eave a little open for air flow.
Try using aspen bedding or cypress mulch or coconut husk bedding. You only need to spot clean pee and poop and then once a month do a thorough clean/disinfect.
Rats are better than mice, as they are nutritionally whole.