Simple snake noob questions

[Craiga 01453]

i never said I didn’t hear of a thermostat, I just never understood what one was and google didn’t help me. When I think of thermostat I think of the thing that sits on the wall in your house and just tells you the temperature, which is why I got it confused with thermometer. I mean I know it controls the temp and everything, just couldn’t understand how it would do that for a snake without it being explained that things plug into it. Since I saw someone mention a temp gun, and I was familiar with that, I was close minded to thermostats. I did see mention to a thermostat in probably everything I read, was just intimidated by something I struggled to understand and didn’t want to admit because I feel really stupid about it.

im sure you’ll all be happy to hear that I’m actually really considering to go ahead and purchase one of those herpstats day after tomorrow on payday. My only question is what do the different numbers on them mean? Because I still don’t fully understand them, even reading their descriptions. Please tell me they’re easy to use. I do want what’s absolutely best for mr Noodles and have no issues spoiling him (or any of my animals) with nice things, but I also have bills due so I would like to avoid spending over $250 if possible.


also I’ve always, always, been aware of the fact that you can feed a snake f/t prey, just was told by friends that if they eat live they’ll eat only live. Since I’ve known I had wanted a snake in the future, I asked friends why they fed live anyway, because I didn’t think I could stomach watching a rat die. So I was misinformed there too.

Like I said, I spent as much time as I possibly could researching. I tried to ask the owner if I could think about it for a few days before I made a decision but he said he was trying to get rid of it ASAP. I did want more time to research, but I also wanted the opportunity while I had it or I would have kept putting it off and probably wouldnt have been able to budget for everything ever because I’m horrible with impulse buys 🙃. (Another example would be how I’ve been without a PC for 3 years and finally got one TODAY because my father sold me his old high end one for $200, and I could never budget to build myself a new PC) He gave me literally everything he had including the snake for $100, saying it was because he paid $300 for the tank itself. The following day I was so excited I went out and bought a second hide, a stick and some leafy decor things. I can see how you’re right about it being rushed, with the conflicting information I’ve came across and been confused by, and I know I was reading posts on this website from back in 2012. Now that I hear there’s things that change over time with care for them, I can see where my errors are. I just really don’t like being told I didn’t do any research when I really dedicated every second I had to reading about snakes, even when I had a few free minutes while I was at work.

I also plan on taking him to a vet on the following paycheck, just to make sure he’s healthy (which I’m pretty sure he is but again, I read that you should still take them for a check up to be sure)

i appreciate all the additional information ive gotten from posting this.

Look, we're going to just have to agree to disagree. You said you did research, I disagree. I think you read a few caresheets, retained what you wanted to and brought home a snake you were not properly prepared for. Now you're making excuses.

"Research" as defined by Merriam webster is: : 1 : careful or diligent search. 2 : studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws.
3 : systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

That means instead of just moving on from something like thermostat confusion, you read and learn about it! It wasn't in every caresheet just to be read. It's there because your snake needs it. So just because you were "close minded" and "intimidated" and felt "really stupid" (all ypur words) you figured screw it...and the snake would be the one to suffer. That's not an acceptable excuse.

Since we're talking about a living creature I feel research, yes months worth, is required. Since you didn't have to take that snake you could have done research. If finances are in issue, then taking on a new pet, which could require hundreds of dollars worth of vet care at any point, may not have been wise at this time.

But, since you've already got the snake it's time to swallow your pride and actually dig in and LEARN ABOUT YOUR PET.
You can't just disregard terms you don't understand, nor can you just take advice from a few people. Cross reference your sources, explore options. If you don't understand something ask, because it's not about you, it's about the living, breathing life that now relies on you.