Roaming at night

Is it normal for a BP to roam every night, even after being fed? I notice my BP comes out on a pretty consistent schedule, every night at around midnight or 1, and stays out even past when I go to bed (4 or 5 am) I wake up, and he's back in his hide, asleep.

He doesn't strike at the glass or anything when I walk by. I haven't attempted to pick him up yet, when he's roaming, out of fear, he's in hunting mode. I figured it would be less stressful to him though if thats when I hold him, is when he comes out, instead of waking him up, when he's sleeping.

So is this normal? Thanks

Define "roaming". Ball pythons are nocturnal, so they will instinctively be more active at night. Mine come out of their hides at night and hang out in the open, one climbs up the glass and just "explores", by explore I mean tries to find an escape route lol. Racing back and forth can be a sign of stress, but if he's just out looking around, that's normal. You will learn what "hunting mode" looks like, it generally doesn't involve a whole lot of moving for my balls. They tense up and get very "S"ey, heads raised a little off the ground, and constant tongue flicking.

Ball Pythons are more active at night. If your set (temps, humidity, hides etc) are all correct and he is eating fine with no signs of illness then I would say he is fine.

I just thought I remembered hearing from people that they will basically hide 90% of the time, and with him its about 50% of the time. Yeah, he's basically just looking for an escape route, looking around, chilling on top of one of his hides.

I just wasn't sure if he was stressed or was looking for food.

My bp doesn't do much roamen.. he mostly chills with his head at the entrance..

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Originally Posted by LGray23

You will learn what "hunting mode" looks like, it generally doesn't involve a whole lot of moving for my balls. They tense up and get very "S"ey, heads raised a little off the ground, and constant tongue flicking.

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I know that look. He's contemplating if I would give him indigestion! Mine comes out and cruises around about four nights a week. If your husbandry is right and he doesn't seem upset or stressed that all should be alright.

When mine do that, I offer more food and they always take it. I haven't had one refuse that is in "roaming" or "hunting" mode.

Regards,

B

So u guys would say if he's wrapped up with his head at the entrance not moving is hunting? I would think it is but I've only had him for 3 mths and this is my first snake

Snakes are ambush predators. A snakes idea of hunting is: wait for food to come to me.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by LGray23

You will learn what "hunting mode" looks like, it generally doesn't involve a whole lot of moving for my balls. They tense up and get very "S"ey, heads raised a little off the ground, and constant tongue flicking.

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I see a candidate for the "Out of Context" thread... :rofl: