digesting on cool side

[distaff]

Hatchling King was fed on Friday eve, the 6th. I feed on the warm side of the cage, but he has spent the last two days on the cool side (68-70F). Warm hide floor surface temp measures 82F with temp gun. (maybe a bit cool, so I just bumped up the thermostat to get a couple extra degrees warmer.)

Why would a snake choose to digest on the cool side?
Would you move him?

I'm thinking that identical hides for warm and cool sides would be better. The cool side currently has large sheets of bark over a cardboard hide. The snake never chooses that hide (although it is a suitable size) but prefers to wedge himself between the bark layers. The warm side has a suitably sized styrofoam hide under a sheet of slate. I e-mailed Reptile Basics for availability of their mini-hides (snake is 20 grams). They are currently out of that size. Looks like for now, I should at least disguard the slate, and add some bark layers on the warm side.

Hope I haven't messed up this last meal.

[Ax01]

it's probably just more comfortable right now on the cool side for your snake. they will thermostat-regulate themselves as needed, so I wouldn't move him. he'll be fine.

my Milk Snakes like to burrow more than hide and often they will just hang out on the top of their hides rather than use it. so him wedging between bark is normal.

[EL-Ziggy]

I agree with Ax. They will thermo regulate themselves so as long as you've provided a good thermal gradient they'll go to the place that's most comfortable for them.

[distaff]

Thanks.
I just worry - esp. with that one...he always seems to do things the Wrong way.

Started cruising this evening. Looking like a little Lock Ness Monster in the dim light of that enclosure's location.
He left a big mess in the corner, so, I guess digestion is over.