College Student Seeks BP Opinions

[AzureN1ght]

I'm a 21-year old college student and still have another 1/2-2 years at college before I graduate. I live in apartment-style housing so I have my own bedroom/bathroom and I share a kitchen and living room with one other person. I'm giving you this information because I am seriously considering buying a BP and want to have some opinions from this community on the matter.

I'm technically not able to have a pet here, but just as long as I can slide the enclosure (with the heating sources, of course) under my bed on "inspection" day, I'll be all set for the remainder of the semester. (My friend has been keeping a Florida Green Snake this semester without an issue)

There are a few issues that might arise:
--During long weekends, I sometimes go home. Would it be safe to leave my BP at school over a 3-day span of time alone?
--During week-long vacations and between semesters, I go home. Would it be safe for my BP to transport him on a 3-hour drive back to my house? (The enclosure could be set up safetly at home, of course)

As far as an enclosure is concerned, I was thinking I would use a steralite container with UTH and an Accu-Rite Therm/Humid probe to monitor the heat and humidity. I know I'm supposed to have a cool and hot side of the enclosure--should I then buy 2 different heating pads and adjust the heat dial until I get the correct heat gradient? Do I buy pads that cover the entire tank bottom? Do I leave empty spaces under the tank? I was thinking of using human heating pads, since they have built-in heat dials.

Anyone's answers/opinions are appreciated.

--Kim

[tmlowe5704]

Don't do it. Hiding it, especially in a large scale place like that can have bad effects for this community.

[Nate]

I'm a 21-year old college student and still have another 1/2-2 years at college before I graduate. I live in apartment-style housing so I have my own bedroom/bathroom and I share a kitchen and living room with one other person. I'm giving you this information because I am seriously considering buying a BP and want to have some opinions from this community on the matter.

Me too!

I'm technically not able to have a pet here

me either....does it stop me? nope.. (5 and counting)

There are a few issues that might arise:
--During long weekends, I sometimes go home. Would it be safe to leave my BP at school over a 3-day span of time alone?

As long as you've figured out a sure way to keep temps stable (ie. a good thermostat)

--During week-long vacations and between semesters, I go home. Would it be safe for my BP to transport him on a 3-hour drive back to my house? (The enclosure could be set up safetly at home, of course)

Snakes seem to do well on short drives...they don't as near as stressed as we do..haha..just make sure he's in a pillow case or something and has a place to stay when you arrive at your destination

As far as an enclosure is concerned, I was thinking I would use a steralite container with UTH and an Accu-Rite Therm/Humid probe to monitor the heat and humidity. I know I'm supposed to have a cool and hot side of the enclosure--should I then buy 2 different heating pads and adjust the heat dial until I get the correct heat gradient? Do I buy pads that cover the entire tank bottom? Do I leave empty spaces under the tank? I was thinking of using human heating pads, since they have built-in heat dials.

Looks like you've been doing your homework!

In your situation, I would probably go with a simple set up, a rubbermaid will do the job. I don't know how thorough they inspect...if they go all under the bed and stuff then it's probably in your best interest to find a new living situation before getting involved with a snake...you can always find yourself a friend, and when you get that notice that your place is going to be inspected, just hand it off to that friend till the inspection is finished. I'm not saying this is the right thing to do, but I've been in your situation and I think the rules against keep a harmless little ol' snake is kinda silly.

Where are you going to college?

[AzureN1ght]

Looks like you've been doing your homework!

I've definitely been doing my homework...if I'm going to go through with it, I definitely don't want to do a slipshod job. After all, it's not just me it's about--it's about another creature I'll be bringing into my life for the long-haul.

In your situation, I would probably go with a simple set up, a rubbermaid will do the job. I don't know how thorough they inspect...if they go all under the bed and stuff then it's probably in your best interest to find a new living situation before getting involved with a snake...you can always find yourself a friend, and when you get that notice that your place is going to be inspected, just hand it off to that friend till the inspection is finished. I'm not saying this is the right thing to do, but I've been in your situation and I think the rules against keep a harmless little ol' snake is kinda silly.

Where are you going to college?

They're more of a glance-and-run kind of inspection. So long as I don't have candles out and burning, they're not really concerned. I'm going to the University of Massachusetts.

[mr~python]

you have it all figured out and if yo're not going to get caught go for it. the only thing i saw was having 2 heat pads. you probably only need one set to 92-94 degrees, unless ofcourse it gets cold(~70) in your room.

you can definitely leave the snake alone for up to a week (or a little more) without worrying about it.

[tmlowe5704]

Just make sure that if you do this, you have multiple ways of keeping the tub secure. Being away for a few hours only to see your snake is missing is one thing, but going for a week to see it missing is another.

[jdmls88]

Just make sure that if you do this, you have multiple ways of keeping the tub secure. Being away for a few hours only to see your snake is missing is one thing, but going for a week to see it missing is another.

dont forget about water, my water dries up in 2-3 days

[Amy1217]

also, if you do go ahead with it, make sure that if somebody discovers your pet that you have somewhere else to keep the snake. Clear something with your parents first, so if you have to move him on short notice, they will be willing to have him set up there.

[sidhe]

If U Mass is anything like the college I went to, you shouldn't have a problem. Just don't let it get out that you have her/him. Only tell as few people as necessary. I kept three gerbils in my dorm (closet) without ever being busted, and they stink way more than a BP would. lol

[Nate]

haha yeah that is a very important thing...tell noone about your little one. only those you know well. there's a lot of back stabbers out there.