(Major Newbie) Help, I need advice

[MissterDog]

I’m with everyone on waiting until you move out. That’s the smartest thing you can do right now.

But to answer your questions,

Avsha531 already mentioned reptile show expos, and I honestly think that would be the best place to take them if you have any near by. That would be a good opportunity to talk to breeders and handle some snakes, and possibly even your parents! I find non-snake people don’t even realize like actually like snakes, they just haven’t found the right one :p ball pythons especially have that special charm about them haha.

As for heating, YES you’d need a thermostat for a ceramic bulb. So if you use a ceramic bulb and UTH you’d need either two thermostats or a thermostat with two outlets.

As for humidity, if you’re having problems with it in a tub set up, it kinda defeats the purpose of a tub set up. It might be worth considering a do over and using your current as a test. Maybe less ventilation next time. What does the humidity become when you put a bowl of water in it? You could use any plastic container or soup bowl in the meantime just to see how it effects the tub.

That being said being broke and wanting a snake do not go hand in hand. Even if you do get a yes, it would be wise to wait and save as much money for as you can so you have your own “snake funds” for the future. Wait until you can afford everything you need, including emergency vet money. You never know what might happen and you do not want to scrape by when things go wrong.

Waiting will also give you more time to research and learn as well as educate your parents and have them warm up to snake keeping, which as far as they are concerned, this may be their snake too.

Personally I feel it’s better you wait until you have a place of your own and are more financially stable, without needing to rely on friends to pick up the slack if you find you are unable to keep your snake. It’s simply not fair to your snake otherwise.