It must be either a myth or something else is up

[Chocolate Muffin's]

I recently changed the bulb on Nico’s cage to a 24 hr incandescent Night Red Heat bulb. Her temps are fine, but the first thing I noticed was that the lamp is very bright. I had been told from numerous sources that snakes can’t see red bulbs. I’m starting to doubt that now because Nico has not come out from her hide box for 2 days. Normally she comes out every evening, like clockwork.

This seems so out of her routine. I also tried to feed her and she refused to eat, but I assumed it was because I had taken her around town and she had been riding happily on my shoulders all day. My assumption was that the entire stimulus just caused her not to want to eat. I don’t know now with her not coming out of her hide.

Does anyone think am I missing something? I hope she’s not sick. Is it time for a vet visit? She seemed happy as a puppy when she was curled up under my neck for our outing a couple of days ago. She truly seemed happy, although I know that people believe it’s not possible for snakes to have this emotion, but I digress.

I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything.

[Kaorte]

Generally if they are in their hides for long periods of time, they are happy. I wouldn't worry about it.

I try to not handle my snakes on feeding day for this reason.

She is not sick. Hiding is a good sign, not a bad one.

[Aes_Sidhe]

I had infrared bulb 24/7 when i had my previous BP in Florida.. never head problem ... She was leaving hide occasionally but not to often.. i dont think that bulb was bothering her

[CoolioTiffany]

I also believe they can see the red bulb, because when I used tanks a while back I turned on the bulb and my snake jumped a bit since it was all dark.

Your snake will be fine I'm sure, and I believe the snake was pretty stressed out from all that handling the other day so it wouldn't eat.

[LGL]

...because Nico has not come out from her hide box for 2 days. Normally she comes out every evening, like clockwork.

This seems so out of her routine. I also tried to feed her and she refused to eat, but I assumed it was because I had taken her around town and she had been riding happily on my shoulders all day. My assumption was that the entire stimulus just caused her not to want to eat. I don’t know now with her not coming out of her hide.

My guess would be that her constant hiding is at least partly due to the outing. That was probably very stressful, especially if she was out all day and around town as you say.

But I wouldn't worry about the hiding. I have some snakes that are almost always under a hide and I have snakes that are almost never in a hide. Some extra hiding will just help her feel more secure.

[Chocolate Muffin's]

Thank you guys so much, your the best. I did return the old bulb to the lamp and like magic, she is out and exploring again!!!!!I swear. I can hardly believe it, she really can see that red lamp!! This one was very bright, not like her regular one.

I've never been so thrilled to see 'Fat Nikki' laying on top of her hide, splashing her head in the water bowl and looking around. She's back to her old self again.

I think everyone comment's are correct, snakes probably don't see the normal red lamps. But this bulb was so bright, it illuminated the room, and part of Muffin's cage. I remember thinking, 'cool, now I can actually see them.' Well clearly, an incandescent lamp is not appropriate (even though I got it at Petco and its for reptiles) I will go back to my regular red lamps that stay pretty dark!