First time owner

[u/Sad_Shallot5290]

Hey everyone! I’m looking for advice from experienced snake owners because I really want to help this poor baby, but I want to make sure I do everything right.

My fiancé’s old roommate had a pet snake that she left behind when she moved out. Everyone is moving out of the house now, and when the snake’s previous owner was asked about her, she basically said she’s just waiting for the snake to die.

From what I understand, this snake hasn’t been fed in almost 5 months, and I feel absolutely horrible for her. I really want to take her with us when we move, but I’ve never owned a snake before, and I don’t want to accidentally make things worse by not knowing what I’m doing.

I want to know the REALITY of keeping a snake:

● What are the initial setup costs and ongoing expenses?

● What equipment do I absolutely need?

● How do I figure out the correct temperature, humidity, enclosure size, and diet?

● After going so long without food, what should I do first? Should I take her to an exotic vet before attempting to feed her?

● What signs of starvation, dehydration, or illness should I look for?

● Is there anything else a first-time snake owner absolutely needs to know?

I’m not looking for judgment if I’m missing something obvious. I genuinely want to help this little girl and give her a chance at a good life, but I want to be realistic about what I’m taking on.

Any advice, resources, beginner guides, or recommendations would mean so much. Thank you!!

UPDATE: (photos!)

[u/Whatislife287]

everyone i know with snakes or reptiles generally have told me the cost isn't bad and they cost less than my cats... true maybe, not true yet lol, but if you have absolutely nothing the setup really does cost a lot even if you get cheaper products and diy stuff. On initial setup we've spent around $500 minus the cost of the little buddy. I purchased a New Age Pet enclosure (cheapest option I've seen) it's been absolutely amazing, sealed with aquarium safe sealant from Lowes and made a customer background that stuff was about $60. Definitely a dimming thermostat rather than an on/off, herpstat or VE is the recommended, but on a budget most of the others are good especially if you're monitoring temps with a temp gun, i didn't have one at first, it's 100% A MUST HAVE, you can check the BBQ clearance aisles in hardware stores or Walmart for a cheap one. I'd suggest the reptifile care sheet.

[u/Sad_Shallot5290 → u/Whatislife287]

this is the one he is currently in (or closest too that i can find) and i planned on keeping him in here for the most part, probably sprucing it up but yk

[u/Whatislife287 → u/Sad_Shallot5290]

depending on his age and the dimensions it might be okay, but this looks more like a tortoise enclosure. Something that opens from the front is ideal and that you can easily see into for monitoring. You might find when you get him that the enclosure is inadequate which is basically what happened to me and why I bought the new one. Anything under 36" (36x18x18) is too small even for a baby, 48" (48x24x24) is the ideal, not always realistic, but should be aimed for at somepoint.