strange night behavior ?

[Jessica]

My juvenile bp, Rodrigo, spends his entire night trying to escape from the cage. Is that normal? The temperature is around 80, and he's not looking for food, as I've tried feeding. I called the pet store where he came from, and the baby balls there have the same behavior at night. Anyone else who notices this in their bp?

[xdeus]

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on having a normal Ball. They are nocturnal snakes and will quite often roam around at night. You stated that the temps are 80 degrees, though. Your snake would probably benefit from a temperature gradient of 80 to 90-92. If you get a chance, check out the care sheet on this site.

[Jessica]

Thanks Lawrence

the 80 F is at night. I just hope he settles down soon. He ignores mice while actively trying to get out

[JLC]

Here's a link to the caresheet:


http://www.ball-pythons.net/modules....warticle&id=52

They don't need the temperatures to change at night. In fact, if you can maintain a steady gradient at all times, he'll be more likely to eat regularly for you.

But you're not asking for advice, so I'll hold myself back. (We tend to be rather free with our advice around here, so be prepared! LOL)

Welcome aboard! : I hope you find everything you need here, and feel comfortable enough to stick around!

[Jessica]

oh, have no inhibitions when giving advice please!

direct Q: should I feed at night while he's busy trying to escape his "Bastille" or when he's chilling under the hide (during the day)

thanks bunches

[elevatethis]

Just to clarify Jessica, your snake needs a hot spot of 92-94, with ambient temps (the air everywhere else except the hot spot) of around 80-84 (ideally 82-84)...So if your tank is just 80 everywhere all the time, that's not covering the snake's heating needs.

[xdeus]

oh, have no inhibitions when giving advice please!

direct Q: should I feed at night while he's busy trying to escape his "Bastille" or when he's chilling under the hide (during the day)

thanks bunches

You should be able to feed any time, but nightime is usually best. Balls are ambush predators, so I've found that some of my picky eaters will eat right after dark when they are waking up. They'll stick their head out of the hide and as soon as food comes along they'll pounce.

[cueball]

Welcome

My ball pythons seem to have the best feeding response just after the lights go out. I use a red light to keep an eye on what's going on since the red light does not seem to affect their night time action. Be sure and have plenty of hide spots so your python will feel secure, this will increase the chances that he will eat.

[4Khan]

Feeding at night is good!

Both snakes are out and in the past we've "awaken" khan to feed him and he's been moody often.

My snakes do the same thing. Along with our rats. Its just what they do.
No one likes to be cooped up. If your snakes constantly is trying to get out morning noon and night then worry. that usually an indicator of stress.

Welcome and good luck with your snake!

[cassandra]

Welcome!

We've taken to the practice of waiting until we know the snake is awake before feeding, so usually around 6 to 8pm.

But the hint of mousey on the air is the best snakey alarm clock ever!

*sniff-sniff*
"SUUUUUUUUUUPPER TIME! Sup-sup-sup-sup-sup-supper time!"