Burrowing, but not really.

[threadgoode]

Good day, all!

As it goes, I'm still in the process of learning a lot about BP behavior. Since the day I got her, my albino girl has picked up a habit of burrowing under her hot-side hide, except it's not an action I'd readily call "burrowing" if that makes any sense. I searched the forums for something similar, but most burrowing cases show BPs actively burying themselves below relatively thick substrate. However, with my girl she just pushes the substrate away, creating a large clearing wherever she plans to rest in her hide, and just lays atop the glass.

The first time I noticed this, I immediately thought my temps were off, so I adjusted accordingly. What was 87-89 above a thin layer of coco husk substrate (91 max directly on the glass) soon became a comfortable 90-92, but she still liked to lay directly on top of the glass. With 90-92 above substrate, however, the glass surface temp was 95-97(ish) and I felt very uncomfortable having it that high... But anyway, I lowered the temps again to a safer medium (92 on glass) and just let her do as she pleased with the substrate.

What I wanted to know was, is this behavior common? Does she just not like the substrate at all? She doesn't do this anywhere except her hot-side hide. Also, if I let her continue to lay on the glass with the temps at a manageable 90-92 on the glass surface (seeing as though she's so averse to laying on top of the substrate), will this pose any future health risks for her?

[Skyrivers]

Bob moves his substrate around to his liking. I keep enough to provide 2 inches of bedding in his enclosure. He not only moves it out of his hot hide but also makes extra exits on the back side. He likes to be snug but not to snug. Is it normal? He is the only 1 out of 3 BPs I have that do it and he is the only boy.

[MD_Pythons]

They do that sometimes, if your thermostat probe is set up correctly and your temps are fine I wouldn't worry too much.

[Phillydubs]

In my opinion she wants the heat and the direct heat...

the temp above the substrate is too cool she wants warmer direct belly heat.

This is why everyone is advised to take temps at the glass and make sure they are about 90.

people make the mistake of temping the substrate and when that is at 90 the glass is way too hot and will cause burns.

You should shove all the substrate aside and temp gun the full pad every area because it will be different all over. Sometimes you hit an area that’s 90 but a portion is 95. You must be very careful. I take the less is more approach I’d rather it be 88-89 than 94. Feel me?

[Craiga 01453]

They do that sometimes, if your thermostat probe is set up correctly and your temps are fine I wouldn't worry too much.

^^^^this 100%^^^^

[Godzilla78]

Mine all do that. Every single snake, in the every hide, hot and cold both. I think they just naturally push the substrate out of the way as they slither in their hides.