Hey look what I did today bc everyone suggested it

[dsirkle]

That looks like a place that a snake would feel secure. As to the good suggestions given about the tape, you could find little rubber coated or plastic clips at a hardware store and drill holes in the side and hold the cords in place with plastic nuts and bolts.With wingnuts you wouldnt need tools.That would be an inexpensive way to get rid of the tape. My guess on the temperature fluxuation would be that the room temperature is fluxuating maybe because of a drafty window or something.The best solution is probably to get a thermostat to compensate for changing room temps. Even a cheap one is better than none. That would set you back at least $30 though. Or move the snake to a warmer room in your house. Frankykeno has made a generous offer and it sounds like you are on your way.For hides you could get tupperware type stuff at a Dollar store and cut openings in them.Then you wouldnt have to keep getting new ones as the cardboard degrades as it was pointed out.Also set your tub on an inside wall as high as you can in the room.The floor and outsde walls are colder.

[giaach]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. While at first I wanted to keep this set up as simple as possible ie not use a t-stat. I realized that with the UTH is was a necessity so I have the UTH running into a t-stat that keeps the temp a cozy 91-95 degrees. As for the tape holding the cables. I got some plastic clips that stick to the tub, so I can just run the cables through those.

[frankykeno]

I'd suggest you hit the store and grab some larger black binder clips for that lid. Those end clips that come with that lid will not protect your snake from escape. Take it from the more experienced folks here, we do know just how easy it is for a snake to slither under a lid even though it appears to be secure. Any give will allow an escape and a box of binder clips is a couple of bucks invest in your snake's safety.

Good luck in Toledo finding a source for live unweaned prey. I've been to pretty much every pet store there is here and none either breed or sell unweaned prey as far as I'm aware. Call around but quite honestly I don't think you're going to find them live, frozen yes...live not likely.