Im actually asking someone on CL about a supposed female they have for "adoption" with all the "necessary equipment" (ie 20gal L, UTH,etc...but no where does there mention a thermostat...) and im waiting for a response to see "what they want" for her.

they probably were underfeeding her, or she was refusing based on how your post sounds with the incorrect husbandry. its sad that people let them get this bad but at least she sounds like she'll have a great home with you.