Hello! I recently received my first ball python this past Saturday. He is a banana and is still young. I received him as a gift so I unfortunately do not know how old he is. This is my first ball python so if my questions seem silly I apologize.
Enclosure Setup
I am housing my python in a 20 gallon tank that I received in an Exo Terra Snake Starter Kit. My current setup includes a hide on both the warm and cool sides of the tank, a water bowl, an Exo Terra Desert Small heat pad (placed under the hide on the warm side) , some sawdust like substrate, and temperature and humidity gauges. I also taped construction paper to 3 of the sides of the tank so that he feels more secure as well as leave a towel on top to keep the humidity in.
My tanks humidity stays between 55 and 60 around the clock. The temperature on the cooler side of the tank is on average 75-77 degrees.
Concerns
Since I just received my snake Saturday, Feb. 4th, I haven't attempted to handle him so that he can settle into his new enclosure, nor do I plan to until the weekend. My main concern is that he will randomly come out of his hide at times and begin to climb the side of the tank. He has spent up to an hour climbing all sides of the tank and rubbing his nose against the glass or screened top. He will often loose his balance and flop down on his side or back but then gets right back up and repeats climbing. I also wasn't informed of when he last ate so I attempted to feed him Sunday evening but he didn't eat, as I expecting due to the recent move. I suppose the main question I am asking is if this climbing is normal behavior? I have done plenty of research before getting my ball python and want to give him the best home possible. I am not aware if he is trying to escape due to an issue with his environment whether it be heat, humidity, or any other factor that would cause this. I am hoping he is just being curious but as I said before he often does this multiple times a day and I am worried about him rubbing his nose or neck.
I just wanted to get a second opinion as well as to see if my setup had anything to do with his behavior. Thanks again and I appreciate any help that you are willing to send my way! Please feel free to ask me any questions! I can also provide pictures tomorrow if they will help.
-Pokage![]()