Ball/royal python surfing again

[midg8290]

Hi all. I own a 3 yr female python. We had her about a year ago now and originally she was doing this in her tall 3ft Viv and we realized she just didn't feel safe so we ended up buying a load of plants, logs, etc to build out her Viv and she was absolutely fine until recently. We have moved her into a 4ft but also kept in mind she likes to be crowded. So we have a big piece of wood in the centre where she can climb on and under, a log in the centre, 2 hides exactly the same on either side with plants drapping down. It's not spaceous at all anymore. But reyshe has just started surfing again and she is also starting to climbing on her bulb cage too which is odd. He temp is around 91-92 which is what it always is. We just don't understand. She is eating fine and on small rats, not missed a meal, shedded nicely about a week ago.

Not sure what to do!!

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[Craiga 01453]

I'm assuming the temps you listed is your hot spot temp???

What are your cool side temps? Ambient temps?

[midg8290]

I'm assuming the temps you listed is your hot spot temp???

What are your cool side temps? Ambient temps?

Yes hot side, cool side roughly 82-85.

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[Craiga 01453]

Yes hot side, cool side roughly 82-85.

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Ok, if it were me, I'd drop temps about 3 degrees across the board. That may help.

[Sirus Uno]

Surfing... Meaning roaming around a lot? Like hunting? Maybe looking for a male?
If she's not looking for something then she's uncomfortable. Trying to get that perfect spot. Drop the temps a few degrees across the board as mentioned above. If she's still doing it then its probably the gradient between cool and hot sides. 78-80 cool side. 88-90 hot side. If its a new enclosure she might just be getting adjusted and finding that perfect spot. Play with the temps a few degrees at a time until she gets what she wants... If its not a male or a meal of course.

[Zincubus]

Hi all. I own a 3 yr female python. We had her about a year ago now and originally she was doing this in her tall 3ft Viv and we realized she just didn't feel safe so we ended up buying a load of plants, logs, etc to build out her Viv and she was absolutely fine until recently. We have moved her into a 4ft but also kept in mind she likes to be crowded. So we have a big piece of wood in the centre where she can climb on and under, a log in the centre, 2 hides exactly the same on either side with plants drapping down. It's not spaceous at all anymore. But reyshe has just started surfing again and she is also starting to climbing on her bulb cage too which is odd. He temp is around 91-92 which is what it always is. We just don't understand. She is eating fine and on small rats, not missed a meal, shedded nicely about a week ago.

Not sure what to do!!

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Hi ..

May I enquire as to what you're using to check the surface temps and humidity ?
One of these or maybe similar ?




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[midg8290]

Hi ..

May I enquire as to what you're using to check the surface temps and humidity ?
One of these or maybe similar ?




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Hi no I'm not using them, they are terrible. I am using a digital one

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[Bogertophis]

Could be hunger? Maybe it's time to bump up the prey size? You did say food is not refused...and keep in mind that many females
instinctively eat more than males, they need to for reproduction. She's trying to tell you somethin'...

[midg8290]

Could be hunger? Maybe it's time to bump up the prey size? You did say food is not refused...and keep in mind that many females
instinctively eat more than males, they need to for reproduction. She's trying to tell you somethin'...

She has only gone up from large weaners to small rats about 2 months ago. I know she is big but not sure if she will eat the next step

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[Bogertophis]

She has only gone up from large weaners to small rats about 2 months ago. I know she is big but not sure if she will eat the next step

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Bumping up the size isn't the only solution...maybe just feed a bit sooner (a day or 2?) on the same size? (how often do you feed?)