I just don't understand...

[giaach]

I've had Kingsley for almost a month now and recently he doesn't use his hides. In the beginning he used them all the time, mostly staying on the cool side and then once in a while going to the warm side. Now he just hangs out outside of his hides. His temps are fine and the humidity is alright, I just don't understand. He has eaten every time I put food in front of him, no matter what time of the day. Im just concerned because an active bp, or one that doesn't use his hides is usually stressed out. But usually they won't eat if they feel stressed or not safe, and he eats like a pig.

Husbandry
10 gal glass tank
aspen bedding
2 identical hides
cool side 85
warm side 91
humidity 46%
UTH on thermostat
75w CHE
Acu-rite thermometer

[mtxsub7]

I've had Kingsley for almost a month now and recently he doesn't use his hides. In the beginning he used them all the time, mostly staying on the cool side and then once in a while going to the warm side. Now he just hangs out outside of his hides. His temps are fine and the humidity is alright, I just don't understand. He has eaten every time I put food in front of him, no matter what time of the day. Im just concerned because an active bp, or one that doesn't use his hides is usually stressed out. But usually they won't eat if they feel stressed or not safe, and he eats like a pig.

Husbandry
10 gal glass tank
aspen bedding
2 identical hides
cool side 85
warm side 91
humidity 46%
UTH on thermostat
75w CHE
Acu-rite thermometer

might want to bump your humidity up to 50ish

also does he just lay there or what?

[giaach]

I know the humidity is a little low, but its actually up since I posted that. Right now hes just laying there because he just had a small rat. I hate to say this but I find it quite hard to take advice from someone that just got at bp and has had so many issues with husbandry. I think I'll wait to hear from someone with a little more experience.

[starmom]

...I hate to say this but I find it quite hard to take advice from someone that just got at bp and has had so many issues with husbandry...

Harsh. Often times if you hate to say something then that is motivation to not say it. Also, since he has had such issues with husbandry and has learned a ton and has fixed his issues then his offerings are worthy of consideration. In this case, he's correct to suggest a bump in humidity. CHE's really kill humidity in glass tanks.....

[FatBoy]

Eliminate the CHE and see if the temps stay up. The humidity will increase without it as long as the UTH keeps the heat right, and it should. I have balls that just seem to hang out sometimes. I wouldn't stress out about the hide issue. As long as it is eating and the husbandry stays ok then let it be. Sometimes they just do what they are not supposed to do! LOL

[josh@outbackreps]

If your snake is not using his hide spot its not a big deal, its a good thing as he is not trying to hide so does not feel nervous all the time.

As for the humidity throw the ceramic heater away, get a black light at most and keep him on cypress mulch. We use cypress on all our balls as it holds humidity very well, and is not dusty like aspen.

Also your temps seem a little high, the cool side should be around 80* and the warm side 85-88. Balls do not need really high temps, I think you will find a lot of big breeders keep them cooler, with a hot spot to aid in digestion.

Just a thought, that works for us.
Good luck!

[FL0OD]

If your snake is not using his hide spot its not a big deal, its a good thing as he is not trying to hide so does not feel nervous all the time.

As for the humidity throw the ceramic heater away, get a black light at most and keep him on cypress mulch. We use cypress on all our balls as it holds humidity very well, and is not dusty like aspen.

Also your temps seem a little high, the cool side should be around 80* and the warm side 85-88. Balls do not need really high temps, I think you will find a lot of big breeders keep them cooler, with a hot spot to aid in digestion.

Just a thought, that works for us.
Good luck!

interesting. so would you say that hides are needed at all? i know another large breeder that says he does not use hides at all either for the same reason you stated. just wondering.

[josh@outbackreps]

The only time we use hides is during c.h season when we have between 1200-3000 babies to set up and get started all at once.
We use 16oz solo cups cut in half down the side for hides, as it is easier to be safe then sorry when dealing with larger numbers.
Other than that all our animals are housed in racks that stay dark in the back so we dont use hides.
Even with imports, we offer hides but a lot of them dont use them after a few weeks. We got a bunch of weird/special w.c's in 2 days ago didn't offer hides and most fed the day after we got them, it all depends on the snake.

The thinking matter of it is, you want the snake to feed and feel secure with out having to have a hide spot, that way if it goes off food you can offer a hide and that might get it feeding again, kind of gives you a back up trick for them.
That is just what we do but the best thing to do is let your snake show you what it wants.

J&J REPTILES

[reptile3]

Harsh. Often times if you hate to say something then that is motivation to not say it. Also, since he has had such issues with husbandry and has learned a ton and has fixed his issues then his offerings are worthy of consideration. In this case, he's correct to suggest a bump in humidity. CHE's really kill humidity in glass tanks.....

I agree, harsh!! I was even offended.

[mtxsub7]

you were new once and actually my advice is 100% true, hell my snake ate for the first time today and is shedding, beat that. I must be doing something right. I am a fast learner and pretty much got everything running within 2 days, I was offering advice and was being nice about it and does not make it OK for you to snap back, most people on here should know how much progress I have made over a week.. seriously keep comments like that to yourself if you're looking for help..