kinda of a problem here

[normballpython2]

ok my ball python hasn't moved from under his water bowl/hide since he got here and that was 4 days a go. the only time i saw him was when i changed the water in the morning an that scared him so i stop changing it yesterday to give him a day of peace but he still won't come out. any help.
P.s all the temps are right on each side. the heated side is 86 and the other side is 78 and the humidity is 72%. so please give me some suggestions on what to do. because this can not be that normal even at night!

[elevatethis]

Ball pythons like to hide!

And yes it is normal. My bp stays in her warm hide for a little while after a meal, and then goes back to the cool side. If you have a gradient with the proper temps in place, just let your ball python do its own thing. Nothing's wrong.

[crotalus]

First off, I'd lower the humidity - I have a mild case of scale rot that might be attributable to keeping it at 67% - ish, and while it's easy to treat, it's never a good idea to expose your pets to infection.

As for your problem - just give your snake time. Moving is very, very stressful, and your snake neds to feel secure in his new environment before he ventures out. Don't handle him, don't disturb him (i.e. by cleaning the cage - unless cleanliness really is a problem, but it shouldn't be) and don't offer food until he's a bit more active. Patience is your best bet.

Pythons are shy. Don't worry. Really.

PS> I'd also raise the heated-side's temperature about 5 degrees.

[normballpython2]

ok so um how exactly would i raise the heat on the other side of the tank

[Smulkin]

Welcome to the site, norm. It's not at all uncommon for a BP to be chilling out of view - especially if he's in a new environment. Even when they do get acclimated some are more reclusive than others - I have a young male who NEVER comes out during the day - won't even feed unless it's dark. If you have him in a glass tank you might even want to tape some newspaper or something up around it so he feels less exposed and might be more inclined to explore and get to know and feel secure in his new space.

[normballpython2]

um he won't come out at night either. and thnx for the welcome also i have a nice background taped(which he inspected when i first put him in the tank. so guys what u are saying is don't check to see if he's alive or do anything wahts os ever to him until feeding day (which is tuesday)?

[led4urhead]

Are you sure he's not out at night? Check in sometime between 2-4 am. Thats when mine are pretty active. I would definitely leave him alone to get used to his new surroundings for at least a week.

[normballpython2]

ok well i've had hi for four days so i guess another 4 days won't hurt but i satayed up till 4:30 night before last and he didn't come out at all. i'll try again tonight to give u guys detail but othe rthan that i will leave him alone. thnx for all the advice but can some tell me how to raise the heat on the hot side of the tank which is already 86 degrees. thnx

[Anonymous]

Yeah, Led is 100% correct (As Always! )
Check at 2-4 am ... thats when my ball python is most active.
During the day, he is in his hide chilling/or napping.

If you said your ball python is running around all day, then I'd say something is wrong! :shock:

[Smulkin]

If you don't see him at ALL during the first week I wouldn't worry about it at all - seriously, they are not the boldest of species.