Head Rubbing / Stress / New Habitat set up?
I'm a new ball python owner and I've noticed that my young 4 mo old ball python has began rubbing her head. I haven't noticed any symptoms of URI or shedding, which is making me wonder if may be due to stress. Her set up isn't optimal at this point in time, and I'm looking to get a few upgrades in hopes that she will be more comfortable.
She's currently being kept in a 12 quart plastic bin with 4 clasps. I use paper towel as the substrate, and I have a small size water bowl ( the humidity in my state is usually pretty high throughout the year so I try not to go overboard by having a water dish too large ) and a single medium sized hide. I'm currently using an exo-terra under tank heater on one side of the tub ( though it is very small, I wonder if I should upgrade to a larger heating pad? or if there may be better options for heating? )
I don't currently have a decent thermometer, hygrometer or thermostat controller, so recommendations for these items would be highly appreciated. ( I have to keep on a budget, so I really don't want to spend money on something that just isn't going to provide what I need )
I keep her bin inside of a closet, so during the day I open it up and let some light in, and at night it's dark and relatively quiet so she is undisturbed for most of the day.
I'm hoping that after some adjustments to her habitat, she'll be less stressed and will stop her head rubbing.
( Please note that if I do notice any signs of URI or mites that I will take her to the vet as soon as possible, but as of today I haven't noticed anything besides the head rubbing. Also note, I tend to handle her for a few minutes every day, up until the head rubbing, so I would have noticed if she had developed any other strange or unusual symptoms up until yesterday. If you think the head rubbing might be a sign of something other than stress, URI or mites, then please inform me! I'm just looking for advice from experienced BP owners. )
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