Ball python has become lethargic, worried

[LittleVixen]

I know I may be over reacting, but I do get worried, as Stormy is my first snake. I got him in November of 2013, he was still a baby, though I am not sure of exact age (I forgot to ask).

He has been eating just fine, every 4-5 days, and pooping regularly. However, whereas he used to be very active, constantly exploring, he just isn't anymore. He stays on the cool side of his tank all the time, in his hide, even just after eating. He curls into a ball anytime I go into the tank, and seems very skittish. Before, anytime I would go into his tank, he would come out to greet me and play around my hands while I was cleaning his tank or whatever. Even when I take him out, he just isn't very active.

His humidity is fine, sitting between 50-60% depending on the time of day, and his temperatures are constant at 75-77 and 90-91. He just shed, complete in one piece. He has still been gaining weight, has bright eyes, bright colors, and no signs of infection. He still seems strong when I pick him up, so he isn't weak at all.

Am I just over reacting?

Oh, and we moved about a month an a half ago, but this behavior didn't start until 2 weeks after we moved, so I don't think that is what caused it.


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[LittleVixen]

I should also note that he always feels cold now, but refuses to stay on his warm side, even when I move him to that side of his tank.

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[NH93]

"A hiding ball python is a happy ball python" - a quote I've heard many a time on this forum
I'd say it's perhaps delayed from the move. Lots of big changes, now s/he's settling in.

"Feeling cold" is normal. Our skin's temperature can be well above 90F, so I should hope they feel cooler than you! They take on whatever heat is around them, as they don't create their own... being reptiles and all...

How are you regulating and providing heat, by the way? 75F sounds a bit low. You don't want it drop below that, or there's a great chance of a respiratory infection!

[LittleVixen]

75 is a bit low, I agree. I am still trying to figure out our ac, lol. It isn't electric, but the knob isn't exact, so I have been experimenting with it to get it where I want it ( it was just fixed 3 days ago). As for heat, he has an under tank heater as well as a heat lamp

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[NH93]

Do you have the UTH regulated with a thermostat?!

And I am surprised that with a heat bulb it is only 75F... what is the wattage, and how are you measuring (digital thermometers, for example)?

[LittleVixen]

No, I don't, but I check it every day, a few times a day. I am unable to work, so I am always here. It is 75 watt, but only on the warm side obviously. And I have two digital thermometers in there. I am hoping to get a laser thermometer soon, so I can check exact temp of the substrate over the heater

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[NH93]

You can put that lamp more in the middle of the tank if it helps. I used to do that, and if it's a mesh lid cover the screen with tin foil a bit.
But you NEED a thermostat to regulate UTH. Burns will happen otherwise. To me, this is a non-negotiable piece of equipment.
Check out amazon, look for Jumpstart Thermostats. Pretty inexpensive and can ship quickly.
You also need a digital thermometer with a probe secured to the bottom of the vive to measure the UTH. How else do you measure the UTH? You mention checking it... but how? Unless you have a handheld digital laser, I don't understand...

[bcr229]

If you're running an unregulated UTH then the surface temperature is likely too hot, which is why your BP won't stay over there - it's burning his tummy. Is the 90-91 the air temp?

A hiding ball is a happy ball. One that is constantly on the move isn't happy, he's trying to find a comfortable place to settle down.

[angllady2]

I am curious as well, how exactly do you measure his temps? You say you have digital thermometers, but are they on the substrate? Under it? A few inches up the side? A few degrees can make a big difference. What may be barely noticeable to us can be very uncomfortable for your snake. The digital thermometers with a probe on a wire are the ones most keepers like the best. Because the probe can be placed wherever it's needed to get an accurate reading.

Just because he's hiding, it's no need for concern, but incorrect temps are a major problem. I know, I went through it myself.

Try to get a thermostat as soon as you can, because even a little tiny UTH can burn your baby.

Gale

[LittleVixen]

I have the digital thermometer on the substrate itself, and I check just by feeling it as well, making sure it is warm but not hot. I am very sensitive to heat, so until we can afford to buy a better thermometer or thermostat, this is all I can do.

And I doubt that the temps are causing this problem, since they have been the same for months, with no problems.

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