New BP owner question: 2-3 hour soak?

[radhouse]

Hi!
My family got our first BP this weekend and I already have questions The first night our snake explored his new home and was very alert. Then yesterday morning he took a LONG soak, tightly curled up in his hide and hasn't come out since. Does this sound normal? Or should I be worrying?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
radhouse

[TheWinWizard]

Check the water to make sure there aren't any small specks in it. If none, just let him be, he's getting acclimated.

[Skittles1101]

Yeah it took about 5 days before my buddy came out of his hide when I first got him. It takes a bit to get used to the new sounds and smells of his new home. As long as there are no specks in the water he should be okay, just getting comfortable.

[radhouse]

If there are specks in the water, what would that be?
If he is just getting used to the new place, we should basically leave him alone and don't hold him, right?

[Skittles1101]

I did handle mine while he was adjusting but only for short periods of time so he could get to know me, but I think it depends on their personailty. Mine from the begining has been really calm and docile, but some can be real nasty especially when nervous. The specks I think would be mites, they come off in water and sometimes ball pythons will soak when they are irritated.

[JLC]

Yes, the specks people are referring to would be mites. If they have mites, they will soak to relieve the irritation they cause. However, it's just as likely that the snake was just trying out all the "hide" potentials. They will sometimes use the water bowl like a hide, especially if there are not more appropriate options to choose from. Sounds like he settled into a proper hide though.

Typically speaking, a "happy" (for lack of a better word) ball python is one that you won't see very often. They love their hides and they sleep....a lot!