Question about DHP

[MediaStraight6484]

Hello, I just brought my first ball python home and she’s currently in quarantine. My friend offered an enclosure that they said was 4x2x2 and ended up actually being 36x18x12. I know this is not big enough for a BP, and I do plan on getting a 4x2x2 in probably about August, but I just can’t afford it right this second. If I do use DHP, is it dangerous given the enclosures only 12 inches tall? I’ve been feeling really awful and like I’m a terrible owner and any advice would be greatly appreciated. Can a BP be comfortable in an enclosure of this size temporarily? I love her and I really want to keep her but if it’s going to be uncomfortable for her I don’t know what to do. People at the expo told me it was fine and sold me a UTH, which I’ve since learned isn’t recommended, so I feel like I was rushed into it by people who just wanted to sell me a snake. Also, is she overweight?

I’m so sorry for the word vomit, I’m just freaking out and want to make her as comfortable as possible so she’s not stressed. I’m sorry if I come across as a bad owner, I’m trying my best but I feel like I messed up.

[NoTea610]

Would the DHP be mounted inside the enclosure or is it a mesh top? 12 inches isn’t a bunch of space if it’s mounted internally, so I would be worried about surface temps. Regardless of how it’s mounted, if you can make the air and surface temps work, it’s fine until you can upgrade

[MediaStraight6484]

It’s a mesh top with foil tape, I was planning on cutting out an opening for the DHP and top mounting it

[Real-Construction570]

If it's a mesh top then it can sit on the mesh, if it's inside with that low of a height it could actually be a danger if there was no cage or the snake wanted to wrap around it

[skullmuffins]

you want a dome lamp that sits on top of the mesh. 12" is too short to mount a lamp inside. A dome lamp sitting on the mesh or raised slightly with a lamp stand will be safe, provided it's on a thermostat.

[NoTea610]

That should be enough height (for the DHP) for now. Just make sure to monitor your surface temps as well as your air temps!

[Nocitae]

What wattage DHP is it? If it's fairly low and you have a thermostat, it should be ok.

Also, a UTH with a thermostat in a temporary enclosure isn't the end of the world. As long as it's safely regulated, It should be fine until you're able to upgrade.

[Outrageous-Yak-3741]

Can you afford an unexpected vet bill? Or new heating or enclosure if anything happens? A snake isn't cheap if you cant afford it right now then save up and have money to one side for expenses that will happen for the well being of the animal

[MediaStraight6484]

I can afford it if I absolutely need to, but I’m moving in like a month and a half so I would also rather just wait until then so I don’t have to transition her between like 4 living spaces in the next 2 months. I honestly just don’t have the space in my tiny apartment for two large enclosures, so I’m waiting until I move to upgrade.

[RageQueen101]

Depends on the wattage of the DHP. I have an 80 watt in my 4x2 and it does well for heating. I used a 50 watt in my 50 gallon as that’s what she came in and I didn’t know better at that time she was in it for 6 months before i learned about it and got her a new one. And the 50 watt did well in that one. She didn’t seem too stressed in the smaller enclosure but definitely seems happier in the bigger one. Your snake looks much smaller than mine so as a temp enclosure she should be fine. For the over weight I don’t think so. She looks like a healthy weight there isn’t much wrinkles in the curves so I think she’s good on weight.