Tell them to stop forcefeeding that poor snake ASAP. They can kill it by doing that, and if they do not kill it the stress can make it susceptile to myriad health concerns. Not to mention that fact that they are likely turning it off of feed altogether and contributing to the problem at hand.
Dial guages and stick ons are complete garbage and do not measure anything.
I would suggest researching how to set up a tub, and when you get him home set him up properly in a small tub with adequate heat and humidity.
Your priority it to get him stabilized and not how the tub looks.
Two small hides, tight and identical, and two heating sources to keep his enclosure at 80 on the cool side and 90 on the warm side, 2 means of controlling the temps. Dial dimmers minimum, or thermostats preferably.
Use something simple like paper towel as his bedding.
Poke holes in the tub to allow for ventilation. And have a nice tight secure lid so he cannot escape.
Do not overdo the holes, as this will allow humidity to escape and they do not have high oxygen needs.
Dollar stores are your friends.... light dimmers, a big tupperware (as an enclosure), small plastic bowls (as hides - just cut doors in them), paper towel, and a small rakin dish is really all you need. Just have to ensure you have the heating pads.
Get a digital dual (indoor/outdoor) thermometer with probe from Walmart for 12.0 and that will measure your temps and humidity.
Once he is set up... leave him alone for a week with absolutely no handling. Offer him a live hopper mouse and see how he does.
I champion your intents, but are you sure you want to take this on? They are damaging this snake by the day, and he is likely going to be a lot of work to get started, may not thrive and may cost you money... be sure you are up to the challenge.
But... once properly set up he may be AMAZING! You never know. But it will be a lot of work for you to learn and commit to him.
He will teach you everything you ever need to know about snakes.
Bruce
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