New ball python prefers big hide? A few questions!

[Absololol]

Hey all. First time snake owner here but have owned other reptiles before.

Currently I have this small (78g) snake in quite a big enclosure - I was told this is okay as long as the tank is sufficiently cluttered and the snake has plenty of small, secure hides at different parts of the temperature gradient. I'm just a bit worried because despite having many smaller areas to squeeze into, since I got the snake three days ago all she has done is sat in the biggest cave of them all. It is about three sizes too big for her at least, but she seems totally disinterested in everything else. Is this still healthy behaviour? I know a hidey python is a happy python - she has other options for smaller hides but he seems to like the big one better - is this a sign of stress? She isn't actively exploring or trying to escape.

I made the stupid mistake of picking her up on the second day to check for mites and weigh her because I was paranoid (no mites, phew) and forgot to do this on the first day, so given I've prematurely handled her for the first two days, should I wait another 7 days before offering any food whatsoever?

Stats for viv:
Humidity generally between 55%-68%
Basking temps 31c on the ground and 35c at the highest point of a hide on the hot side. 200w CHE controlled by thermostat. Cold side is between 22c-27c. Temperatures measured with a heat gun and humidity with a digital probe.
Cold side also has a water dish and 'damp hide' with moss.
Substrate is eco earth with coconut fibre and leaves, and there's at least 4 hides in the viv with a habba hut and several plants/log. Light cycle is provided using a shadedweller t5 with a 12 hour cycle.

I've attached a picture of the two 'warm' hides, as well as the whole vivarium and the snake. As you can see there's a huge size difference between the two, but she seems to still prefer the big one. Is this still fine as long as she has the choice? Sorry for being a big newbie I just want to make her feel safe.

Any other advice also appreciated.



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[Bogertophis]

With all those lovely cage furnishings, you've got to HOPE there's no mites (or eggs) that escaped your inspection, as otherwise you'll be throwing everything away.

I assume the light over the enclosure is just for the sake of taking photos? Because most snakes (BPs included) aren't fans of bright lights.

One thing about hides: just because pet stores sell them, doesn't guarantee they meet the needs of your snake. Many hides have larger doorways so that owners can
see what their pet is doing inside, but secretive snakes like BPs may feel too exposed. That may be why yours is choosing the largest one...it has a bigger shadow.

It's an attractive set-up, but I think your snake will be happier when you tweak some things though. They normally do prefer hides that are more of a tight fit for them,
IF there is only one doorway, and IF it's not much bigger than they can fit thru with a meal "on board". And low ceilings are preferred too.

[Absololol]

The light is a t5 'shadedweller', a small (30cm) uvb tube that's apparently specifically designed for animals that live in low lighting. I think the photo makes it look brighter than it is, it's a small uvb tube with a soft glow. It's on from 8am-8pm but I could shorten the hours if it would make the snake feel more secure? The reason I have this one is because the plants in there are live, and I heard it is best to simulate a day night cycle.

The smaller cave on the right is definitely a pretty nice 'snug' size but it doesn't cast a shadow at all... Maybe I should move a plant in front of it to make it more dim. Thanks for the advice. I'm going to try getting smaller hides for her.

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[Bogertophis]

I didn't realize those are live plants...yes, they do have their own needs, some need more light than others. It sort of complicates things.

The doubly-open-ended tree bark tunnels aren't really suited as "hides" because they're too open...BUT, they make nice cage furniture, & what I do in some cases
is to use a tunnel in FRONT of the actual hide...sort of a "front porch" if you know what I mean...that might take care of the "large doorway" problem. Snakes are
pretty flexible if you just consider their needs first...you can get creative & make it work. Same goes for moving a plant or two...try it & see if she likes it.

[Absololol]

Thanks very much! I am going to try to get a tunnel thing going οn!

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