Really depends on the snake, if you clutter it up and it's a smaller cage, it might be ok. If the snake doesn't eat or seems stressed, go to the tub. Chances are the breeder will have kept it in a small rack system, very dark and enclosed. I use herpstats for thermostats. Accurites for thermometers in the cage to look at, they tell humidity also. I keep one thermometer on the cool side of my cages that tells temp/humidity and one with a probe on the hot side, probe over the hot spot. Shelf or branch would be fine, they will perch on whatever you give them. Make sure you have a temp gun, that's the best way to check your temps all over.