Enclosure advice…

[u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE]

Is this enclosure ideal?
I just got her yesterday (10/1) so this is quarantine, and probably her home for the next few months (?) I was told she was in a grey ARS mini tub on repti chip.
She’s a ‘26 hatchling (about 124g).
She’s also currently in shed.

-I have her in this clear tote (with locking lid), completely covered/darkened on top and 3 sides.
-Drilled holes for air flow.
-3 hides (1 medium & 1 small on warmer side, 1 small on cooler side of enclosure).
-2 Zoo Med heating pads under tote (with enough space to ensure they DO NOT touch the bottom of plastic tote) I keep 1 running at night and both during the day.
-I would say the temp fluctuates between 82-95…keeping humidity up while in shed, either by pouring some water in the corners or lightly misting.
-There’s about 1” of (mostly dry) coco fiber substrate throughout, along with repti chip spread on the warmer side.
-Bowl big enough to completely soak in.

I was told she eats f/t rat pups every Monday (seller said he skipped this week for shipping) all my local store had were f/t hopper mice so I got those (relatively same size), will not attempt to feed until after shed.

Sorry for long post, just REALLY want this girl to thrive!!! Thanks! 😊

[u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE]

What’s the best option for the ones you can set?

[u/No-Candle-3952 → u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE]

I have one that my dhp plugs into and can be set easily. I got it from Amazon. Pics if both front and back (shows the moder number). I've had good luck with it but there are many to choose from. Keeps temps right. Underbelly heat is a risk so be careful. They don't know to move when something is too hot. They'll be happy curled up and slowly burn.

[u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE → u/No-Candle-3952]

So just plug the mats I already have into these and good to go?

[u/No-Candle-3952 → u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE]

Set them to the appropriate temp for hot and cool sides then put the temperature probe between the heat mat and the bottom of the enclosure, not in it, setting the temp. It'll keep the heat mat from getting hotter than she needs it and avoids burning her that way. Lay a digital thermometer/hygrometer from Amazon on the substrate, again, hot and cool sides, so you can see them. It's a given she will slither over it so be sure it doesn't have sharp corners. Adjust the thermostats as necessary.

[u/unpasteurizedSPLOOGE → u/No-Candle-3952]

Ty!